Looks like The Age is exhausting its investigative tool-kit at the moment: leaks, anonymous sources, FOI requests, and a nice little table and profile on suspicion and alleged corruption of La Tobe’s Vice- Chancellor. Now that typifies the whole doctrine of precedent in “real” journalism - disclosure over enclosure, confidence over secrecy, and publicity over censorship.
Yet at second glace, it’s strategic rhetorical provocation. It’s not merely about connecting the dots, but boasting the exclusiveness of your story and objectifying the whole recipe for investigative journalism. The feature wouldn’t shout “SCANDAL” or “EXCLUSIVE” without journalistic buzz and brag.
”… yesterday provided travel details to The Age”
”A stinging resignation email sent to colleagues, and leaked to The Age…”
”Several senior staff, who spoke to The Age on condition on anonymity…”
”The Age believes the university is about…”
“Mr Gibbons told The Age… after the university rejected a freedom of information request last year.”
Long live the (stuck-up) watchdog.
