ABSTRACT
Investigative journalism is one sinew of a developed, healthy society. It connects those who run a state to their obligations – to the people; to fairness; to their duty, honesty and justice. Leaders in many nations verbally support the Fourth Estate and investigative journalism, but when they come under its spotlight frequently counter it with exceptionalist arguments. Since the war on terror was launched, with the consequential increase in the number of national security entities, it has become harder for journalists to undertake their Fourth Estate role. Social media companies have taken the lifeblood, in other words, the attention and the money that people will pay to be informed and entertained, from news publishers.
