Annotated Bibliography

Haines, R. (2012). In search of the truth: Investigative journalism in a digital age. THE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM. http://www.thebureauinvestigates.com/2012/05/02/in-search-of-the-truth-investigative-journalism-in-a-digital-age/.

Roger Haines is a recurring author on the new website of The Bureau of Investigative Journalism. His report is based on the talk given by Iain Overton, the managing editor of the BIJ, in April 2012. The main focus of the report is the crisis that Investigative Journalism is in with the ever apparent evolution into the digital age. Haines writes how the rapid increase of popularity with online-based medias such as Facebook and other blogs and forums and the ease of reproduction of news is inversely proportional with the decline of investigative journalism. Haines’ continuous mention of ‘The Digital Age’ successfully transfers the idea across to the reader that the traditional method of reporting facts and publishing hard-copy newspapers is fast becoming extinct. Haines also agrees with Overton’s notion that journalists need to adapt and invest accordingly to the changes in society. Haines cleverly proposes the idea of gathering followers via Twitter and Facebook for individual journalists and appropriately take advantage of ‘viral-marketing’ and ‘gonzo-journalism’.

Brown, R. (2012, May 24). Assange extradition judgement set for next week. Abc news. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-05-24/assange-judgement-due-may-30/4029642.

Rachael Brown, a Europe correspondent for the ABC, writes a factual and non-biased story regarding Julian Assange’s possible extradition to Sweden after allegedly sexually assaulting two women. The piece is broken down into two parts; the first being the facts surrounding the allegations and the Supreme Court’s decision. The second part refers to why Assange is infamous and his possibilities for the future. Brown shows her investigative journalism skills in both parts by refraining from giving an opinion and supplying only facts. Brown includes both sides of the story, mentioning that Assange has previously stated that the sex was consensual. She also makes a note that this allegation comes after the WikiLeaks scandal, leaving the reader to contemplate whether the claims are real or politically based. Brown uses a picture of Assange that is not incriminating in any way; however, it does show police officers in the background, suggesting that Assange has been under some stress recently. The equal-sidedness and citation of Assange’s lawyers gives Rachael Brown credibility and demonstrates her value of truth in the news and investigative journalism.

Picture from Time Magazine

Dorling, P. (2012, February 29). Revealed: US plans to charge Assange. The Sydney Morning Herald. http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/revealed-us-plans-to-charge-assange-20120228-1u14o.html.

Philip Dorling is highly experienced in politics and journalism, having been a part of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and now being the National Affairs and Defense Correspondent for the Canberra Times. This makes his piece reliable and credible. The first part of the article cites Fred Burton of US Intelligence and gives Dorling’s word reliability and power. Dorling later reveals the exploits of WikiLeaks concerning the release of five million emails from Stratfor. He explains these emails are examples of how a private intelligence agency can target individuals for their corporate and government clients. By writing this, Dorling makes obvious his value for investigative journalism by verifying the facts for the public interest; in other words, he reveals the truth about intelligence capabilities. By referencing an Australian Advocate for Stratfor, who swears towards Assange, Dorling further reveals the potentially biased and/or unfair nature of the agency. Dorling finishes by stating that neither Stratfor nor the US embassy will comment on the emails acquired by WikiLeaks, sparking tension between the public interested in the situation and the US embassy/Stratfor, providing more attention to the WikiLeaks case and setting a media agenda.

Peck, M. (2012, March 13). WikiLeaks’ Julian Assange ‘is being framed’ says his mother. Digital Journal. http://digitaljournal.com/article/321121.

Matthew Peck, a freelance journalist from the United Kingdom, makes this report with a point of view from Julian Assange’s mother. The inclusion of the mother gives the entire scenario with Assange and WikiLeaks a softer touch. The public is more inclined to empathise with Julian by including citations from Christine Assange, stating how adamant she is of her son’s innocence. Peck first quotes Mrs. Assange in a manner which echoes Julian’s statements of how the allegations of sexual assault are false and politically motivated, generating more support for Assange. The second Christine Assange quote is used more to emotionally effect the reader, using the connection of mother and son to inspire sympathy for the Assange family. Peck finishes the article with a quote from Juan Mendez, the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, describing the US government’s inhumane treatment of Bradley Manning – a WikiLeaks contributor. Overall, Peck’s piece is investigative by providing facts and quotes and provides an interesting view behind Julian Assange’s ordeal for the public to identify with and possibly take sides with or against Assange.