ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the trends, problems, and prospects of investigative journalism in Nepal. Semi-structured interviews conducted with 13 Nepali investigative journalists in the capital city, Kathmandu, were thematically analyzed and discussed with reference to the Muckraking Model of investigative journalism. The findings revealed that resources, professionalism, and courage and commitment are major elements that have shaped the practice of investigative journalism in Nepal. While limited resources, deadline pressure of covering standard reporting, and absence of investigative bureaus in Nepali media have fundamentally challenged the professional practice of investigative reporting, the social commitment, personal investment, and professional courage of investigative journalists have sustained its practice in Nepal. Despite these challenges, Nepali investigative journalists' frequent investigations on scandalous issues have impacted the government, politics, and society. The findings further suggest that adopting innovative cultural shifts in generating revenue, ensuring inclusive newsrooms, reinforcing the investigations into marginalized issues, and more universities including investigative journalism in their curriculum are urgent needs for the sustainable practice of investigative journalism in Nepal.
