With investigative reporting there is a higher burden of proof because the news organization is pointing its finger at wrongdoing. And this is part of the process by which the community decides the parameters of acceptable behavior. Having spoken with investigative journalists around the country we have found that burden of proof requires the following questions be answered:

1. Does the wrong to be exposed justify the damage done to the reputation of the individuals involved?
   
   
2. Does the evidence make a compelling case or just raise questions?

The burden of proof is rising

So are audience skepticism and fatigue

The term investigative reporting has been demeaned and eroded by people asserting false allegations and by news organizations doing phony or trivial exposes.

To meet this rising burden of credibility, make sure your story tells the community something new and something significant, falls short.

Not only should your story prove its case to the public but it also must make clear why this matters.

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