Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Mass Communication - Department of Journalism

Investigative reporting is a form of reporting in which reporters go in-depth to investigate issues of public interest that may uncover corruption, wrongdoings, and abuses. Its evolution doesn't translate into a continuous historical narrative; rather, it can be described as a cyclical evolution that can be noted not only at a global level but also in the Arab narrative. So, this thesis is aimed at identifying the factors affecting English investigative websites through press system analysis according to editorial policy and ownership. In addition, the extent of their impact on editing techniques applied on the following websites (Mada Masr, ProPublica, The Bureau of Investigative Journalism, and ARIJ) from 2014 till May, 2017. A mixed-method research of complementary quantitative and qualitative studies was conducted. The content analysis tool was employed to describe and analyze the form and content of the investigative reports published in the study sample to find out the similarities and differences in addition to the frames used to cover issues. Besides, the semi-structured interviews were used with investigative editors to draw a picture of what challenges reporters face when practicing the watchdog role and the factors that affect online investigative websites. Framing theory and systems analysis approach were used as a theoretical framework. The results showed that the main factors that affect online English investigative websites are the political situation, resources, public interest, and the storytelling techniques of the investigative reports

Issued also as CD