Accountability journalism: A primer
Jane Elizabeth, Better News,The popularity of accountability reporting
Stories that fall under the umbrella of accountability journalism consistently rank among the most popular content produced by news organizations, according to the American Press Institute’s Metrics for News data.
Best practices and common mistakes
Clarity, transparency and authority with humility are hallmarks of effective accountability reporting. Guidelines/best practices for all forms of accountability reporting should be specifically designed to meet those standards. Clearly “showing your work” to readers and other acts of transparency are essential for building trust in — and, over time, readership for — your content. Mistakes and missteps occur when best practices fail.
Presenting the accountability story
The fact-filled nature of accountability journalism can result in a story that’s dry and emotionless. The best accountability stories utilize different platforms and styles and often include some degree of interactivity.
Being a “committed observer“
Accountability journalists can find themselves personally impacted by their stories, especially in local and regional contexts. These reporters should follow newsroom ethics guidelines and know how to navigate difficult situations.
Hiring and training accountability journalists
Top accountability journalists possess specific reporting skills, work habits and knowledge of their audiences.