Redefining investigative journalism in India a case study of Tehelka

Abstract

Investigative journalism is one of the most celebrated genres of journalism and plays an important role in the creation of an informed, democratic society. Investigative reporters have played a significant role in fostering accountability and transparency, battling corruption, exposing organized crime, strengthening civil society, fuelling reform and calling for justice. According to UNESCO, in countries where corruption and other abuses of power by public office holders are still rampant, investigative reporting has never been more important. In India, the need for investigative journalism to safeguard the public interest was being increasingly felt as corruption and abuse of power became rampant. Investigative reporting in India is widely believed to have been started by magazines before newspapers joined in the cause. In the recent past, Tehelka magazine has emerged as a strong exponent of the art of investigative journalism. This study looks at the investigative reporting carried out by Tehelka between January 2008 and December 2009. Content analysis of the 102 issues of Tehelka published during the period reveals that the magazine lives up to its reputation of using investigative stories to expose the muck in the Indian polity and society. There is a conscious effort visible on part of Tehelka to reveal things of public interest, which some elements might be keeping hidden.