ABSTRACT
The overwhelming reluctance and ambivalence of some reporters and media companies to engage with social media platforms has, arguably, constrained the potential of investigative journalism to carry out its fourth estate role. In recent years systematic training programmes in using social media platforms for investigative journalism have begun to be written and delivered, mostly online. The distinction between domestic and global investigative journalism has become less clear as the global reach of social media platforms has become seamlessly incorporated into social media platforms. Techniques for using social media platforms for investigations enable reporters to build larger, more responsive global networks of news contacts. Risks of using social media platforms for investigative journalism do exist but these can be minimized, thus leading to an overall increase in the opportunities to tell compelling controversial and sometimes sensitive stories that can have a significant social impact.
