Numerous polls indicating that corruption consistently ranks among the highest three concerns in the population throughout the region may suggest the impact of investigative journalism in turning government wrongdoing into a priority issue. The Latin American case suggests, then, that the existence of investigative journalism is important in its own right. The extent and balance of the investigative agenda is also relevant. The press directs the attention of citizens and lawmakers to specific issues. Many social and governmental arenas need attention in contemporary democracies.
Investigative journalism is most effective when it casts a wide net on a variety of issues.
Silvio Waisbord is an assistant professor in the Department of Journalism and Mass Media at Rutgers University, the State University of New Jersey.