Investigative Reporting

The tip- the sniff- suspicion- idea

Form a hypothesis-statement of truth- help focus your investigation

3 considerations

                        What sources?  What are my obstacles?  Who should I go to first?

                        What records? Are they public or private?

                        What is the most I can prove?  How long will the investigation take?

Sources

            Human sources:  Enemies, Friends, Losers, Victims, Experts, Police, People in trouble.

            Written: 

Public- Property records, Corporation records, Court records, Campaign and conflict of interest reports, Loan rec, Minutes and Transcripts.

Non public- Investigative files, PaST  arrest and conviction, Bank records, Income tax rec, credit checks

Writing the story- Get people into the story, Keep it simple, Tell the reader what the research means, Organize and suggest solutions.