Watchdog Journalism

When a newsroom asks its journalists to have more watchdog journalism in their work, what does that mean? To answer that question we can start with journalism being the fourth estate and it being a fourth branch of the government. They act as an overseeing eye and are there to inform the people (http://tinyurl.com/3tzyez4). Charlotte Hall, Editor at the Orlando Sentinel, said simply, “Watchdog journalism is a state of mind for the whole newspaper: Journalism that gives power to the people.” In other words, the entire team of journalists has to be aware of what is around them and be willing to keep a look out for the rest of us, so we can be informed (http://tinyurl.com/3kle4xp). They are the private eye for the public good.

At the same time, many are wondering if some journalists and organizations are taking watchdog journalism too far and turning it into a form of amusement. It is being drawn out and it is a joke, sometimes to boost ratings. Liz Leamy, a TV reporter, says that it is the “just add water” investigative reporting. Some bad examples of watchdog journalism include, a news channel putting cameras up in a house to prove you can’t get all your carpets cleaned for $7.95. Another in the mid 1990’s claiming a bra’s internal wire could poke the owners. This is not watchdog journalism. It supposed to be reporting that looks out for the civic interests of the audience and uncovers real problems in the community and offers solutions. A good example would be Bob Woodward and Carl Burnstein’s reporting on the Watergate Scandal for the Washington Post (http://tinyurl.com/azyqy). Remember, the purpose as a journalist is to be a link between the news/truth and the audience. It is to empower them with the information by keeping an eye on your surroundings, reporting the events and providing possible solutions.