In association with Fojo Media Institute, Linnaeus University, Sweden

Investigative

Our investigative journalism section equips you with advanced research and reporting techniques for uncovering important stories. Master methodical investigation approaches that hold power to account and serve the public interest. All our material is free to download, adapt and use. Scroll down our site map for all the content in this and other sections.

Graphic for a Media Helping Media Training Tool

Tool: Motive, veracity, and security (MVS) matrix

This free Media Helping Media matrix is designed to help journalists assess the risks and benefits of investigating a tip-off or a leak.
Image of an investigative journalist - created using Imagen 3 by David Brewer of MHM

Staying safe when investigating corruption

Investigative journalists face risks when reporting on corruption. Discover essential safety strategies for covering stories that expose well-hidden secrets.
Image by 6eo tech https://www.flickr.com/photos/6eotech/ released via Creative Commons CC BY 2.0 DEED

AI and investigative journalism

The landscape of investigative journalism is undergoing a significant transformation, with artificial intelligence (AI) emerging as a powerful ally for reporters.
Image by BBC World Service released via Creative Commons CC BY-NC 2.00

Why would anyone want to talk to a journalist?

An investigative journalist has to encourage people to share information that they had previously withheld.
Image by Mighty Mighty Matze released via Creative Commons CC BY-NC 2.0

Investigating official documents

The investigative journalist never takes things at face value. They probe and question in order to get to the truth.
Image by Dave O released via Creative Commons CC BY-SA 2.0

The investigative journalism dossier

Discipline, order and a well thought out plan are essential for successful investigative journalism.
Image by Steven Yeh released via Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

The investigative journalism mindset

The investigative mindset is responsible for solving more information mysteries than probably any other factor. If you haven’t started writing down your best strategies now might be the time to start.
Image by Mario Sixtus released via Creative Commons CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Dealing with suspects as news sources

Sources are one of the most valuable resources for a journalist. They need to be handled with care in order to build trust and gain knowledge.
Image by Images Money released via Creative Commons CC BY-NC 2.0

Investigating corruption

A journalist investigating corruption faces many risks and challenges. Investigative journalist Don Ray shares his experience.
Image by Emilia Murray released via Creative Commons CC BY-SA 2.0

Tips for investigative journalism

This article looks at some of the main points to consider when producing a piece of investigative journalism.
Graphic of books and pen created using Google Gemini AI

Investigative journalism best practice

Investigative journalism: Avoiding common mistakes
© Content on Media Helping Media is released under Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0 unless otherwise stated.