Recently in class we discussed Watchdog Journalism. The main point that Elements of Journalism tried to make about it was that
JOURNALISM MUST SERVE AS AN INDEPENDENT MONITOR OF POWER
I felt like putting that in all caps to make it more epic.
But, in all seriousness, it is true. As journalists we need to be a voice for those who don't have one and make sure that those with power do not abuse it. This also means we do not allow our power to do that to be abused.
Investigative Journalism is a tool to bring to light facts that help the public to be free and self-governing. It is something reporters use to uncover such facts that would otherwise be withheld from the public--like the pentagon papers and the Watergate scandal.
These cases have made investigative journalism seem romantic, dashing, and glamorous--which I'm sure it can be in some cases :). However, this glorification has had the unfortunate side effect of creating a counterfeit investigative journalism which many publications use as a gimmick to hook an audience on an unimportant story. I hate to point fingers but celebrity-gossip-centered publications are the WORST about this.
To be fair, interesting headlines are important. Still, there is a line: don't make something out to be hugely, vastly more important than it is.
I've found some ridiculous headlines from the publications I must impugn for this practice:
http://www.usmagazine.com/moviestvmusic/news/dwts-bristol-plain-haters-are-trying-to-destroy-me-20101811
http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20443052,00.html
http://www.starmagazine.com/news/17588
I like the point you make here about over glorifying journalism-- sometimes I think people can get carried away making things sound like a bigger deal than they really are. Its important in journalism that we stick to the facts.
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