The Expenses Files a 'triumph for journalism'?

That the direct political ramifications of the story have been enormous is irrefutable.  Moreover, as last night's debate demonstrates, the scandal has refocused attention back onto the development of quality journalism.  The Telegraph has closely guarded the internal management of the story, yet Pierce was apparently more loquacious in his praise of the paper's behaviour in this debate than the editorial team have previously been.    

Of great importance is his belief that the 'consequences were massively in the public interest'-ticking the first box for valuable investigative reporting.  Yet, as is a very topical predicament, worthy pursuits can only be followed through if there is adequate funding, which Pierce did not try to disguise, "Of course it's been terrific for the circulation - we're a newspaper and we're there to make sales".  The margin for error when dealing with such delicate data are high and the implications grave.  Pierce is satisfied that the Telegraph was forced to publish one correction, "I'd say in terms of journalism that ain't a bad ratio."  One area which remains shrouded in secrecy is the issue of payment for the tip off. "Fleet Street has existed for years on leaks" maintained Pierce as he battled off the host's, media columnist Roy Greenslade's efforts, "we will stick to our guns (...) and not discuss whether money changed hands".

The story has certainly captured the imagination of the reporting contingent.  Journalism.co.uk's Judith Townend expressed her take on the episode as triumphant return of classic investigative journalist tools and the eschewing of 'new' paths of leaking and reporting.   

'For raw blogging it is not. Any CAR is kept secret in-house. Sharing the process? Pah! This is as far away from a Jarvian vision of journalism built-in-beta as you can imagine. While other news operations - the Telegraph's own included - increasingly open up the inner workings (former Telegraph editor Martin Newland's team at The National in Abu Dhabi tweeted live from a significant meeting yesterday morning) not a social media peep comes from the bunker till the paper arrives back from the printers.'

Apparently, the Telegraph has more up its sleeve, although Pierce refused to reveal any details last night.  What is certain, however, is that whatever story follows, it will come under scrutiny from journalists and media commentators debating its worth as a piece of quality  investigative journalism. 

Source: journalism.co.uk