What is a primary role of investigative journalism in democracy?

• A. Informs only about entertainment news
• B. Exposes corruption and abuse
• C. Produces weather forecasts
• D. Sets legal policies for the state

Answer: (B)

Investigative journalism in a democracy acts as a watchdog, bringing to light corruption, abuse of power, and hidden practices that would otherwise remain undisclosed. By digging through public records, financial documents, and credible interviews, reporters gather evidence and present in-depth findings. This illuminates issues for citizens, fuels public discussion, and creates pressure for accountability and reform or legal action when warranted. This function of exposing wrongdoing and enabling oversight is what makes it essential to democratic governance.

Choices about entertainment news focus on entertainment rather than accountability; weather forecasts provide practical information about the weather; setting legal policies is the job of elected officials and legal institutions, not journalism.