This document outlines a course on digital investigations in data-driven journalism. It discusses what constitutes an investigation, including exposing socially important issues, discovering and verifying information. It also addresses what makes an issue of public interest and considers examples. The document then covers national vs public interest, the stages of an investigation, and elements that make a good investigation like evidence, human stories, credibility and effective delivery. It discusses reasons to investigate like shedding light on corruption. Finally, it lists qualities of a good investigative journalist, including being curious, self-organized and resourceful.

1. MIR Lab in
Youth
Work
Course name: Digital Investigations
in an era of data-driven journalism
European Youth Press
2020-2021
Click
here to
listen!

2. Presentation Outline
What’s an Investigation?
• Public interest debate
• What makes a good investigation?
• What makes a good investigative reporter?
Digital Investigations in an era of data-driven

3. Investigation:
A process of exposing socially-important
issues which otherwise would be hidden or
concealed
The information needs to be discovered
and verified
Digital Investigations in an era of data-
driven journalism

4. What is public interest?
How do we know if something is worth investigating? !
Digital Investigations in an era of data-
driven journalism

5. What’s socially important?
Digital Investigations in an era of data-
driven journalism
Your city mayor lied about having a Master’s degree
A famous actor lied about going into rehab
Your friend lied about having a Master’s degree
A doctor in a hospital nearby does not receive the
protective equipment
A pharmacy company lobbies its new highly popular drug
as a cure to a disease

6. Digital Investigations in an era of data-
driven journalism
National vs.
public interest
Your discoveries may
be harmful to
different groups
with various
interests and
influence

7. Digital investigation
3
Revealing
A secret becomes a fact
1
Original
You discover something new
4
Publicly Important
It makes a difference
2
Verifiable
You need to have a solid proof
MIR Lab 2020

8. What makes a good investigation?
How do you differentiate?
MIR Lab 2020

9. What do experts say? David E. Kaplan
Executive Director, Global Investigative Journalism Network (Photo: Twitter)
“…In-depth systematic use of original research
and reporting”
Drew Sullivan
Co-founder, Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Program (Photo: Twitter)
“…Primary source of our information comes from
public records.”
Miranda Patrucic
Award-winning investigative journalist (Photo:Twitter)
“…Asking for more of what is available”
MIR Lab 2020

10. Elements of
a good
investigation
1
2
3
4
Evidence
Get documents & other data from public
registries and beyond
Human Side
A personal story that speaks to others
Credibility
Your findings are fact-checked and have a
proof
Effective delivery
Communicate your story to your audience &
look for the right channels
MIR Lab 2020

11. Why
• Shed light on corruption
and mismanagement
• Make your community
more transparent
• End the spread of false
information
Investigate?
• End a negative practice
• Find out the truth
• Defend the rule of law &
human rights
• Save your community
money & resources
MIR Lab 2020

12. Curious
You actually care & want to find
out the truth
Self-organized
You manage your time, work,
connections, & the process
Resourceful
Good research skills & a pool of
contacts
What makes a good investigative
journalist?
MIR Lab 2020

13. MIR Lab 2020
What is it that you
want to investigate?
Now,
Take your time to brainstorm!