- Investigative: Muckraking journalists use investigative techniques to uncover hidden truths and expose wrongdoing. This can include undercover reporting, document analysis, and interviews with key sources.
- Exposé: Muckraking journalism often takes the form of an exposé, which is a detailed and in-depth report on a particular issue or scandal. Exposés can be published in newspapers, magazines, books, or online.
- Focus on corruption: Muckraking journalism often focuses on corruption in politics and business. This can include bribery, fraud, conflicts of interest, and other forms of unethical or illegal behavior.
- Social and political impact: Muckraking journalism can have a significant social and political impact. It can raise awareness of important issues, lead to investigations and reforms, and even bring about changes in public policy.
Here are some examples of famous muckraking journalism investigations:
- Ida Tarbell's exposé of Standard Oil, which led to the breakup of the monopoly.
- Upton Sinclair's exposé of the meatpacking industry, which led to the passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act.
- Lincoln Steffens' exposé of political corruption in New York City, which led to the downfall of Tammany Hall.
- Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein's exposé of the Watergate scandal, which led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon.
These are just a few examples of the many important contributions that muckraking journalism has made to society. Muckrakers play an essential role in holding powerful people accountable and ensuring that the public interest is protected.