Commercial and non-profit investigative journalism as means to achieve journalistic excellence : comparing the Sunday Times and amaBhungane Centre for Investigative Journalism

Abstract: This study explores the impact of the commercial and non-profit funding models on the quality of investigative journalism. It examines the means of attaining investigative journalistic excellence with specific reference to the Investigative Unit of a commercial weekly newspaper, the Sunday Times and the not-for-profit amaBhungane Centre for Investigative Journalism, asking which funding model hinders investigative journalism, and which enables it. This study utilised qualitative research methodologies. Thematic content analysis and in-depth interviews were conducted to firstly evaluate the production of quality content examining coverages about policing and taxation, pertaining the South African Revenue Service (SARS) High-Risk Investigations Unit (HRIU) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) Cato Manor organised crime unit. Secondly, in-depth interviews explored the demerits and merits – the consequences – of using commercial and non-profit models and their impact on news values and the quality of investigative journalism...M.A. (Journalism