Investigative reporting might make great fodder for Hollywood movies, but the reality is far from glamourous.

Blockbuster investigations can take years, even decades, and require grit and determination.

So, what drives this special breed of journalists?

Take Chicago-based journalist Jim DeRogatis, who pivoted from pop music critic to investigative journalist when he was faxed a tip off he almost consigned to the rubbish bin. That fax had information about the crimes of Robert Sylvester Kelly, aka the disgraced R&B singer R. Kelly. It took decades of persistence before Kelly was brought to justice.

Kate McClymont is the Chief Investigative Reporter at one of Australia’s biggest papers — The Sydney Morning Herald. She’s spent decades exposing corrupt politicians. She’s covered Australia’s criminal underworld, been sued for defamation and worked with sources who are themselves targets of violence.

So what precisely does this special breed of reporter have in their DNA that pushes them to pursue a story for 20 years, to put their lives on the line to prove that anonymous tip and get the most sensitive, impactful stories to print?

In this episode of Journo, Kate and Jim share with Nick Bryant the stories they simply couldn’t let go.  

Journo is a production of Deadset Studios. This episode was made with support from the Judith Neilson Institute.

Host: Nick Bryant
Executive Producer: Rachel Fountain
Producers: Grace Pashley & Britta Jorgensen
Sound Design: Melissa May
Managing Editor: Kellie Riordan
Commissioning Editor: Andrea Ho