Chicago is the World

We want stories that matter. Stories that touch lives. Stories where we can help make a difference.

That’s often investigative reporting.

But that’s hard to do when you are working as hard as most folks in the ethnic news media do.

So, what can you do?

You can take small steps that build to big steps. You can give a meaning to your stories. You can ask the right questions and they will tell your readers that there may be more here.

Here are some suggestions about how to do this:

Basic rules for investigative reporting

Investigative journalism is needed to uncover situations which people want to hide

Every reporter can be an investigative reporter. If it takes one day or one month, the strategy is the same. To find out what is not clear or what is not spoken about. You do not have to become a detective to do this kind of reporting. But you need to be use all of the skills of a good reporter. Investigative journalists especially need:

• An alert mind to see, to hear and to recognize story ideas and important facts which people or organizations are trying to hide. It may also be information that is not clear or not complete.
• An ordered mind to make notes, file information and fit many facts together. Keep a diary of your contacts, and develop your own data files to explain and understand the statistics and trends.

.   Draw a map to show you the relationships.

• You need patience to keep digging for information and patience when you have no results. But also the ability to decide to stop when you do not have the facts.

.   Continue to develop good contacts throughout society

• Develop courage to withstand threats from people you are investigating

.  Always explain to your editor what you are doing so they can support and help you. Keep them informed  of changes in the story. Do not make the story larger than the facts or larger than what you know.

• Learn to adjust the focus if the facts point in a different direction.
• Do not hesitate to publish corrections if you are wrong. You must show a commitment to the truth.

As well as accumulating information, you must also gather supporting evidence in case your story is challenged. Save  all of your evidence. If possible, use a tape recorder or digital camera or video to record statements.

You must protect confidential sources of information Do not make promises you cannot keep to sources. Do not accept favors or provide favors to sources.

Always consult a lawyer if you have any worries about the legality of what you are doing or writing

Double-check everything you do, from the information you gather to the way you write your final story. Always confront the target of your story with your evidence and try to obtain their reaction. But wait until you have all of the information. Make sure their reaction is published and easy to identify.

Become familiar with all the different places you can get information, such as company registers and court records

Work within the law. Do not break the law.

Practical rules

1. 1. Develop a strategy

How much time do you have?

Small stories attract more support

Don’t give all information if you don’t know all

1. 2. Read everything before you interview anyone.
2. 3. Draw list or map of whom to interview
3. 4. Avoid interviewing the target of your story until the end
4. 5. Always go back to ask questions about facts you do not understand. Plan your interview strategy.

A good saying to remember —if your mother says she loves you—check to make sure.

1. 6. Always find at least two different sources.

7.Give results to opponents—to reject and or to clarify

8.Work in a group or with a partner—

9. What if your sources tell you something that is wrong-but other information is right? Decide what information you can use.

10. Do not boast.

11. If you fear a strong reaction to your story,find supporters in government or local groups who agree that you are telling the truth.

12. Make simple points clear with charts – graphs

13. If possible, tape your conversation to upload on the Internet or to check for accuracy.

14. Ask for reactions from readers—online and in print.

15. Offer more information about your story and sources online. Contacts with agencies that deal with trafficking.

16. Plan other stories to keep the issue alive.

17. Review what you have written and ask yourself whether you can tell what matters most and whether the facts of the situation are clear to everyone.

Here are some rules to keep in mind as you work

1. What do I know? What do I need to know?
2. What is the meaning of this story?
3. Do I lack any information or sources?
4. How can I include other people with other points of view?
5. Who are the people affected by this story and how will this story – this situation – affect them?
6. What is likely to happen as a result of my story?
7. Can I rely upon the information that I have received from my source.
8. Can I confirm the source’s information through government or business records?
9. Can I contact other persons to confirm this story?
10. How reliable is my source?
11. Do I need to talk to an expert on this topic so I understand it fully?
12. Read copies of other investigative stories to study how they provide the details and analysis.
13. Read your story to a colleague to see if they have any questions.
14. Can you find a colleague who has done similar reporting? Share your experience with them and ask where you might have changed your tactics?
15. Form an informal organization of reporters who investigate this issue and meet regularly to exchange ideas and experiences.
16. After every story, ask yourself  information do I need to follow up tomorrow, next week, next month?

Stephen