Investigative Reporting : A Study in Technique

Spark, David

ISBN 10: 0240515439 / ISBN 13: 9780240515434

Published by Taylor & Francis Group, 1999

About this Item

Ships from the UK. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects.

Seller Inventory # 6726863-6

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Investigative Reporting : A Study in Technique
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Group
• Publication Date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0240515439
• ISBN 13: 9780240515434
• Binding: Soft cover
• Edition: 1 Edition.
• Condition: Very Good
• Weight: 1.175 pounds

About this title

Synopsis

This important book defines what investigative reporting is and what qualities it requires. Drawing on the experience of many well-known journalists in the field, the author identifies the skills, common factors and special circumstances involved in a wide variety of investigations. It examines how opportunities for investigations can be found and pursued, how informants can be persuaded to yield needed information and how and where this information can be checked. It also stresses the dangers and legal constraints that have to be contended with and shows real life examples such as the Cook Report formula, the Jonathan Aitken investigation and the Birmingham Six story.

David Spark, himself a freelance writer of wide experience, examines how opportunities for investigations can be found and pursued, how informants can be persuaded to yield needed information and how and where this information can be checked. He also stresses the dangers and legal constraints that have to be contended with and shows investigators at work in two classic inquiries:
· The mysterious weekend spent in Paris by Jonathan Aitken, then Minister of Defence Procurement
· The career of masterspy Kim Philby

Investigative Reporting looks at such fields for inquiry as company frauds (including those of Robert Maxwell), consumer complaints, crime, police malpractice, the intelligence services, local government and corruption in Parliament and in overseas and international bodies.

The author believes that the conclusions that emerge from this far-reaching survey are of value not only in investigative journalism, but to practitioners in all branches of reporting.

About the Author

David Spark