"You repel me,"

Investigative journalism! 

It is intelligent (making the right choices)

It is informed (knowing the facts)

It is intuitive (knowing when to stop and go, are they lying to you?)

It is inside (getting on the inside to get the information you need, trustworthy)

It is an investment (are you prepared to take a risk to get the information?)

But what is the purpose of investigative journalism? 

Well firstly, it is critical and thorough journalism, getting the most accurate and correct story in the most detail possible. Critical means it is a thorough is an active participant. The key idea is "active intervention". Thorough means that the journalist puts in a substantial amount of time and effort so that they may discover the truth behind the story.

Secondly, it involves the custodians of conscience by Ettema & Glasser. It takes the society's norms and asks for the public to scrutinize the and decide whether or not they trust or believed this to be true. They key idea is "exposure". Nothing is to be left in the dark or hidden, everything open, under the eye of scrutiny. 

Thirdly it is providing a voice for those who don't have one and to hold those in power accountable for all they have done. It holds strong the values of social justice. Allowing those who would normally not have a chance to be heard to shout out to the world their story. To let everyone know that they are there and this is happening to them. The key idea behind this is "public interest". 

Finally, it has been known to use things such as the fourth estate/fourth branch of government/watchdog. 

• Fourth estate is when journalist take into the consideration the interests of those without power in order to create a balance against the power of the government.
• Fourth branch of government is when a journalist ensures a free flow of information that is necessary for the function on a democracy. This is done by interrogating the judiciary, executive and legislature. 
• Watchdog is when journalists make public personalities and institutions whose functions impact the social and political lives of society accountable.

So these are all the things that need to be considered while being an investigative journalist. One thing that isn't emphasized enough, though, is how dangerous it can be. Going into the line of fire for the story, you're risking your safety and the safety of those you love just to get a story. That is why you need to weigh up the pros and cons beforehand. Still, it's an incredibly dangerous field and there are often journalists shot down in the line of duty because of it.
And on that note, here are a few trailblazers of the investigative journalism profession, who ought to be remembered.

• "The Sydney Monitor" Edward Hall Smith (1826) 
• "The Maiden Tribute of Modern Babylon" William Booth (1885) 
• "Watergate" Bob Woodward, Carl Bernstein (1972-74)
• "The Moonlight State" Christ Masters, Phil Dickie, Shaun Hoyt
• Julian Assange (Wikileaks)

What exactly is it that investigative journalists should be looking to investigate though? How do they know where a story has more to it, and when to just leave it as is? 

It is known that you must ALWAYS check your facts and never assume anything. 

Investigative journalists will use all types of methods such as looking into interviews conducted, old documents and files, trespasses, leaks, etc. in order to find a lead into a story. 

However online news is once more threatening another realm of journalism, this time our sluethy reporters. With there being less money going towards news corporations (due to less people actually paying for their news), there is less money that can be spent on paying journalists and allowing them to take their time in finding out all their information for these stories. 

There is also the continuation of the journalistic facts vs. the public propaganda and which is more important to the public. Currently, we all want sensationalist news stories, and so there isn't as much call for investigative journalists to actually find out information and report on the truth. 

Now all that is in question is where does the future of investigative journalism lie? Some would like to believe online, on YouTube even. But is this really the future? Or just a way of attempting to survive until we once more circle back for our thirst for truth.

And as my parting gift to you, if ever you were looking to see how investigative journalists are portrayed by today's entertainment media, you need look no further than the amazing 'Reichenbach Fall'.

And the moral of this story? Don't piss off a determined investigative journalist.