Developed in 19th century, investigative journalism is a journalism practice aims at exposing through systematic investigation and documentation the facts that are concealed by someone in a position of power, but involve public interest to know. Investigative journalism differs from traditional journalism particularly in terms of the starting point, aim, areas of interest, use of time, and the moral vision.

This article starts with defining investigative journalism; then goes on to explore the distinctive qualities of investigative journalism; the development of investigative journalism in the world and in Turkey; institutionalization of investigative journalism; methods of investigative journalism; public support for investigative journalism; the risks involved in investigative journalism; and finally it deals with the concept of public interest which is the most important argument of investigative journalism to legitimize itself.