Journalistic investigation methods in covering socio-legal issues: a case study of Volodymyr Malinin

Abstract

The article examines modern methods of journalistic investigation in addressing socio-legal issues, based on the journalistic materials of Volodymyr Malinin. The relevance of the topic is determined by the growing role of investigative journalism within the system of public oversight, as well as the need to study how issues of the penal system, social marginalization, and the observance of human rights are covered in the contemporary Ukrainian media landscape.

The study analyzes theoretical approaches to defining journalistic investigation as a specific genre of analytical journalism. It is established that modern investigative journalism is interdisciplinary in nature and combines methods from journalism, sociology, law, and communication studies. Special attention is given to the function of public oversight performed by investigative journalism in a democratic society.

It is emphasized that the integrated use of documentary analysis, interviewing, journalistic observation, reporting, comparative analysis, social critique, and the personalization of issues enables journalists not only to record facts but also to analyze the social causes and consequences of societal phenomena.

It is established that in V. Malinin’s materials “Sentenced to Life Imprisonment Dream of Freedom” and “Children of the Underground,” the journalist combines legal analysis with social research, actively uses reportage elements, and applies a humanistic approach to covering issues of the penal system, social inequality, and population marginalization. It is found that the author’s investigative journalism extends beyond traditional criminal topics and acquires a distinct sociological and socio-critical character.

As a result of the study, it is concluded that V. Malinin’s journalistic materials are a representative example of contemporary Ukrainian analytical journalism, in which documentary accuracy, social criticism, and a humanistic approach to interpreting social processes are combined. It is determined that investigative journalism in the modern media environment performs not only an informational function but also serves as a tool of public oversight and the formation of civic awareness.