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Palgrave Macmillan

Investigative Journalism

A Survival Guide

  • Book
  • © 2019

Overview

  • Provides a fascinating insider account of major international investigations including the Snowden NSA leaks and WikiLeaks
  • Written in an accessible style by a multi-award-winning investigative journalist
  • Explains the role and value of an investigative journalist at a time when the role is increasingly under pressure

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Table of contents (12 chapters)

Keywords

About this book

At a time of hyper-partisanship, media fragmentation and "fake news", the work of investigative journalism has never been more important. This book explores the history and art of investigative journalism, and explains how to deal with legal bullies, crooked politicians, media bosses, big business and intelligence agencies; how to withstand conspiracy theories; and how to work collaboratively across borders in the new age of data journalism. It also provides a fascinating first-hand account of the work that went into breaking major news stories including WikiLeaks and the Edward Snowden affair.

Drawing on over 40 years of experience with world-leading investigative teams at newspapers including the Guardian and The Washington Post, award-winning journalist David Leigh provides an illuminating insight into some of the biggest news events of the 20th and 21st centuries. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes work of journalists and news organizations. It also acts as an essential practical toolkit for both aspiring and established investigative journalists.

Reviews

“Anyone in the world who has ambitions to be an investigative reporter should read this masterful and practical guide by David Leigh. It is honest, insightful and addresses many of the rarely-spoken-of issues faced by investigative reporters.” (Gerard Ryle, Director of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, Washington, D.C., USA)

“After a long career as the leading investigative reporter of his time, David Leigh turns the spotlight on himself in this compelling account of how he held power to account, uncovering the stories they didn't want told. His investigations brought awards to his papers. This memoir tells how he did it, and will inform budding investigators and all who care about the importance of free media.” (Peter Cole, Emeritus Professor of Journalism, University of Sheffield, UK)

Authors and Affiliations

  • City, University of London, London, UK

    David Leigh

About the author

David Leigh is one of Britain's best-known investigative journalists, and the Anthony Sampson Professor in Reporting at City, University of London, UK. He was head of investigations at the Guardian for 15 years, a journalist for The Times, the Observer and The Scotsman, and the first Laurence Stern Fellow at The Washington Post. He was also a TV producer at This Week and World in Action. He has won numerous journalism awards and is the author of several books, including Wikileaks: Inside Julian Assange’s War on Secrecy (2011).

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