The Journalism Of Outrage: Investigative Reporting And Agenda Building In America

In the first systematic study of investigative reporting in the post-Watergate era, the authors examine the historical roots, contemporary nature, and societal impact of this controversial form of reporting, which they call the "journalism of outrage.

Some media investigations sway public opinion and serve as the impetus for government reforms, while others, seemingly of equal importance, just die. This volume--the first systematic study of investigative reporting in the post-Watergate era--explores how and why this happens. Based on a decade-long program of research, highlighted by case studies of the life courses of six well-known media investigations and interviews with a national sample of over 800 investigative journalists, this book presents a new theory about the agenda-setting role of media in American society. Chapters examine the historical roots, contemporary nature, and societal impact of investigative journalism. Contrary to the conventional wisdom that depicts muckrakers and policymakers as antagonists, the authors show how investigative journalists often collaborate with officials to set the agenda for reform. The Journalism of Outrage breaks new ground in looking at this controversial form of journalism.