muckraking journalism
Corruption-exposing news coverage
Muckraking journalism exposes corruption, scandal, and wrongdoing in business or government through aggressive investigative reporting.
The term comes from Theodore Roosevelt's comparison of certain reporters to a character in Bunyan's *Pilgrim's Progress* who raked muck rather than look up.
Originally dismissive, the label was embraced by early 20th-century reformers whose work spurred legislation on food safety, labor conditions, and corporate practices.
The magazine was known for its muckraking journalism.
- truth-seekingPursuit of accurate knowledge
- hidden truthsConcealed factual matters
- deep diveComprehensive examination of topic
- whistleblowingExposing hidden wrongdoing internally
- speak truth to powerCriticize those in charge
Upton Sinclair · Progressive Era · social reform · investigative reporting · Ida Tarbell · fact-checking · news media · anti-corruption laws · FOIA requests · accountability · public awareness campaigns · dirty laundry · The Jungle · transparency · interviews · Panama Papers · ethical dilemmas · public interest
muckraking journalismpuff pieces
Uncritical promotional writing
hagiography · boosterism · press releases · sponsored content · advertorials
muckraking journalismstate media
Government-run news organizations
propaganda · official narratives · corporate communications · embedded journalism
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