Political Investigative Journalism: Playing the Watchdog Role

Watch host Peter Adams from the News Literacy Project in a conversation with Chicago Sun-Times reporters, Chris Fusco and Tim Novak. Fusco and Novak discussed their recent investigative work and described some of the unique challenges of investigative reporting. They also gave advice for young people and other citizens who are interested in playing a watchdog role and discussed the importance of effectively evaluating political issues, news, and candidates during election season and beyond. This hangout was part of a special series on “Building News Literacy, Critical Media Skills, and Political Awareness Today” produced in connection to Letters to the Next President 2.0. It was also co-streamed at connectedlearning.tv.

View the Conversation

During the broadcast, the conversation also took place on Twitter using the hashtags #2nextprez and #connectedlearning.

Participants for this webinar included:

• Peter Adams (host), Senior Vice President of Educational Programs at the News Literacy Project
• Chris Fusco, Investigative Reporter, Chicago Sun-Times
• Tim Novak, Reporter, Chicago Sun-Times

Resources for this webinar:

• The News Literacy Project
• The News Literacy Project’s Checkology
• Letters to the Next President 2.0
• Chris Fusco at Chicago Sun-Times
• Tim Novak at Chicago Sun-Times
• Relevant Articles on Topics/News Stories Discussed:
  • Enemies Rauner, Madigan not at odds when it comes to business
  • Cashing in on the CHA — a Sun-Times/BGA special Watchdogs report
  • THE WATCHDOGS: CTA execs ride the pension express
  • MILK MONEY: CLOUT-HEAVY FAMILY GOT $162 MILLION IN CONTRACTS
  • Collection of Chicago Sun-Times stories related to the killing of David Koschman
  • WATCHDOGS: The Donald & the Democrat; Burke saved Trump $11.7M

Photo/ Wikimedia Commons