The Investigative Reporter’s Handbook: Writing the Compelling Investigation

March 2, 2009

The Investigative Reporter’s Handbook: Writing the Compelling Investigation

By Ashley Dischinger

There are many important components to writing a compelling investigative piece that sheds light on an issue or injustice while successfully drawing the reader into the story.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning series by The New York Times’ Clifford J. Levy is a prime example of a gripping presentation of an injustice that demonstrates the impact of that issue through exceptional storytelling.

In 2002 Levy wrote a six-part series called “Broken Homes” that ultimately exposed the abuse of mentally ill patients living in various state-regulated homes.

Levy demonstrated his strengths in both reporting and writing- skills that good investigative reporters must learn to master and balance. His research and reporting is incredibly thorough, with a balance of statistics and personal accounts.

Levy’s writing is equally powerful. The details of the story certainly answer the “who, what, when, where, why, how and so what?” of the issue.

His writing also exemplifies certain tips listed in The Investigative Reporter’s Handbook including keeping the “outrage” in sight and putting people in the foreground of the story. His story constantly relates back to the issue of the abuse of mentally ill patients, and the personal anecdotes are key in keeping people in the foreground of the story. Levy is also careful to address a controversial issue by presenting the facts and refraining from lecturing the readers.

Levy won the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for his investigation involving the abuse of the mentally ill in adult homes. Photo from the Pulitzer Prize Web site

Levy’s investigative reporting remains consistently compelling from the opening lead through the ending without any lulls in the middle. The lead paragraphs demonstrate commanding writing that draws the reader into the story through the use of several anecdotes detailing various horror stories of abused patients.

The middle of the story contains just the right amount of flow and momentum needed to keep the reader’s interest. Levy introduces relevant numbers and statistics that are easy to understand. He also uses the “scene” technique by telling numerous stories of patients who have been abused. For instance, one paragraph details the horrifying story of a patient who eventually committed suicide, leaving a note that simply said “evil wins.”

The ending is just as compelling as the rest of the story, and leaves the reader with deep thoughts and emotions regarding the prevalence of abuse of the mentally ill. Levy concludes with the story of a patient, Mr. Maddix, whose home did not adequately address his needs. He was often left to suffer daily seizures alone because the staff didn’t bother to give him proper care.

When Maddix eventually died of a seizure alone in his bathroom, the home tried to cover up their neglect by saying he was unresponsive when they found him and soon after died, even though he had been dead for a full day before his body was even discovered.

The final sentence is extremely powerful, saying the “discovery of his body was almost routine” at the home. The shock value of the suggestions of the mistreatment of the mentally ill leaves the reader to ponder the issue and question the morals of these adult homes.

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