In this essay I am going to look at the significance of the Watergate scandal and the effects that it had on America. I will also discuss what the importance of investigative journalism is and the role that it has in society. The chain of events known as Watergate was an American political scandal in the 1970’s which ultimately led Richard Nixon to resign as president of the United States. The effects of the Watergate scandal did not end with the resignation of President Nixon, the general public lost trust in the government and are therefore a lot more suspicious of political candidates. Although the most important change …show more content…
New technology has enabled information to be shared globally, therefore reporter’s are able to use the internet to get hints and help with fact checking through the use of social media websites such as Facebook and Twitter. Social media has offered journalist’s new ways of contacting sources and accessing information all over the world, reporters are able to inform the public about their investigation and ask them for hints on the subject. Aside from the use of social media, a huge amount of statistical information is available on the internet as part of the Open Data agenda, which investigative journalists can access to research into particular issues. New technology available to investigative journalists has arguably allowed them to carry out their investigations in a much more time efficient way, mobile devices and IPads allow journalist’s to keep in touch with the world as well as research into certain topics anywhere in the world.
Investigative Journalism is important to society because it ensures that individuals and institutions whose purpose is to serve the public remain exposed to avoid corruption, injustice and lies. They work to ensure that any secrets that may cause harm to society are exposed and jousted into the public