The Most Famous Investigative Journalist, Ranked

Choose the investigative journalist you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 21, 2024 08:12
In a world brimming with information, knowing who to trust for in-depth, accurate news is crucial. Investigative journalists are at the forefront of unveiling truths that often stay hidden from the public eye. Their work not only informs but also protects society by exposing wrongdoing and fostering transparency. By voting for your favorite investigative journalists, you contribute to acknowledging and celebrating their relentless pursuit of truth. Every vote helps highlight the significance of investigative journalism and supports the journalists' continued efforts to illuminate the darker corners of our world. This action engages you directly in shaping how investigative reporting is valued and recognized.

Who Is the Most Famous Investigative Journalist?

  1. 1
    55
    votes
    Bob Woodward
    Jay Godwin · Public domain
    Known for his investigative reporting on the Watergate scandal, which ultimately led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. Woodward has continued to cover politics and government, and has written many bestselling books.
    Bob Woodward in other rankings
  2. 2
    9
    votes
    Carl Bernstein
    Larry D. Moore · CC BY 4.0
    Bernstein was Woodward's partner in uncovering the Watergate scandal, and has since become a respected journalist and author.
  3. 3
    24
    votes
    Hersh is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who has covered many controversial topics, including the My Lai Massacre, the Abu Ghraib prison scandal, and the killing of Osama bin Laden.
  4. 4
    11
    votes
    Ida B. Wells
    Mary Garrity · Public domain
    An African American journalist and civil rights activist, Wells was known for her investigative reporting on lynching and other racial injustices.
    Ida B. Wells in other rankings
  5. 5
    19
    votes
    Nellie Bly
    Mef.ellingen · CC BY-SA 4.0
    Bly was a pioneering investigative journalist who went undercover to expose corruption and mistreatment in mental institutions and factories.
    Nellie Bly in other rankings
  6. 6
    21
    votes
    Murrow was a prominent radio and television journalist, known for his coverage of World War II and his criticism of Senator Joseph McCarthy during the Red Scare.
    Edward R. Murrow in other rankings
  7. 7
    8
    votes
    Cronkite was a legendary news anchor and journalist, known for his coverage of the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal.
    Walter Cronkite in other rankings
  8. 8
    12
    votes
    Maddow is a popular television host and political commentator, known for her in-depth reporting and analysis of current events.
    Rachel Maddow in other rankings
  9. 9
    9
    votes
    Greenwald is a journalist and author who rose to prominence through his reporting on government surveillance and whistleblower Edward Snowden.
  10. 10
    5
    votes
    Amanpour is a respected journalist and television host who has covered many international conflicts and crises, including the Gulf War and the Syrian Civil War.
    Christiane Amanpour in other rankings

Missing your favorite investigative journalist?

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Ranking factors for famous investigative journalist

  1. Impact
    The impact that their investigative reporting has had on society, the public, and the government.
  2. Relevance
    The relevance of their investigative reporting to current and pertinent social and political issues.
  3. Recognition
    The recognition and awards they have received for their investigative reporting.
  4. Tenacity
    The tenacity they have shown in pursuing stories, even in the face of danger or threats.
  5. Accuracy
    The accuracy of their investigative reporting, as well as their attention to fact-checking their sources.
  6. Innovativeness
    The innovativeness of their investigative reporting techniques, such as their use of technology, data mining, and other sources of information.
  7. Fearlessness
    The fearlessness they have shown in taking on powerful institutions, people, or companies in their investigative reporting.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous investigative journalist. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Reporter is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1926 views
  • 169 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Reporter once every 24 hours. The rank of each Reporter is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous investigative journalist

Investigative journalism is a type of journalism that involves uncovering and reporting on hidden or unknown information. Investigative journalists often spend months or even years researching their topics, conducting interviews, and analyzing data to reveal stories that may otherwise go unnoticed. There have been many famous investigative journalists throughout history, including Nellie Bly, who famously went undercover in an asylum to expose its mistreatment of patients, and Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, who uncovered the Watergate scandal that ultimately led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. Other notable investigative journalists include Ida Tarbell, who exposed the monopolistic practices of Standard Oil, and Seymour Hersh, who uncovered the My Lai massacre during the Vietnam War. Today, journalists such as Glenn Greenwald, Laura Poitras, and Edward Snowden continue to make waves with their investigations into government surveillance and corruption. With so many influential journalists making a significant impact, it's difficult to determine who the most famous investigative journalist is. However, there is no denying that these reporters have played a crucial role in bringing important stories to light and holding those in power accountable for their actions.

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