€ 10.000 per project on average

In the view of Journalismfund.eu there is no final definition of investigative journalism. On the contrary – it should be a vivid process to strive for investigative journalism and any definition must be scrutinised over and over in an ongoing debate among journalists. However we would like to contribute to this debate by adding some crucial points from several parts of Europe.

 “Investigative journalism is critical and thorough journalism,” according to the definition of the Dutch association for Investigative Journalism, VVOJ.

Critical means that journalism is not merely passing on ‘news’ that already exist. It implies news, which would not be available without any journalistic intervention. This can be done by creating new facts, but also through re-interpretation or correlation of facts already at hand. Thorough means that one makes an own substantial effort, either in quantitative terms – much time spent in research, many sources consulted, etc. - in qualitative terms - sharp questions formulated, new approaches used, etc., or a combination of both.

Based on this definition we discern three types of investigative journalism. Incidentally these categories might overlap.

1. Uncover scandals. Aimed at detecting violations of laws, rules or norms of decency, by organisations or individuals.
2. Review of policies or functioning of government, businesses and other organisations.
3. Draw attention to social, economic, political and cultural trends. Aimed at detecting changes in society.

According to the Center for Investigative Journalism at London City University, ”UK and US colleagues tend to define IJ in its moral and ethical purpose and obligation, rather than as a slightly more serious version of ordinary news reporting. “

In the service of the Public Interest, our purpose is to uncover corruption, injustice, maladministration and lies.  As a duty to readers and viewers as well as self-protection in a hostile legal environment, investigative journalism seeks above all to tell the documented truth in depth and without fear or favour. It is to provide a voice for those without one and to hold the powerful to account. It's to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. 

Is it critical and thorough?  Yes, but investigative journalism is skeptical and keen to bring information that someone wants to be keep secret, into the public light.

Feel free to contribute to the debate and send your comment to info@journalismfund.eu