Lanosga surveys national state of investigative journalism
Associate professor Gerry Lanosga published “New survey reveals state of investigative journalism” with the Investigative Reporters and Editors Journal on June 6.
Lanosga authored the white paper for the IRE alongside University of Illinois professor Brant Houston. The IRE provided them access to its membership database to replicate their national survey of investigative journalists, which was first conducted in 2013.
The study, based on 541 journalists nationwide, provides an updated snapshot of the journalistic subfield at a time of deep industry turmoil. Lanosga’s paper is an initial analysis of survey data.
Initial key findings reflected a continuing and growing shift to the nonprofit sector, with nonprofit journalists reporting higher levels of job satisfaction and autonomy than those working in commercial newsrooms.
Findings also showed low ratings of newsroom diversity in spite of increasing diversity in the ranks of investigative journalists; and a generally pessimistic outlook about the prospects for journalism and investigative reporting despite individual journalists reporting high levels of satisfaction with their own newsrooms.
Lanosga has continuously followed the development of journalism as a profession. His research and teaching revolve around the practice of journalism in both contemporary and historical settings.