Focal Point
Focal Point is The Michigan Daily’s dedicated investigative journalism section. We pursue long-form, in-depth investigations into subjects concerning misconduct, abuse and wrongdoing within our local community. Serving as watchdogs within Ann Arbor, we hope to hold those in power to account and bring to light what’s been concealed from the public. You can find our previous work here.
Ethics
Focal Point adheres to the bylaws of The Michigan Daily and strict journalism ethics as outlined by the Society of Professional Journalists.
Our team seeks out stories that have been hidden implicitly or directly by people in positions of power and by cultures of silence. This can often involve reporting on events that were not directly recorded. We do everything in our power to corroborate what we report, seeking documentation and secondary witnesses whenever possible. We reach out to all parties involved in a story early and often to incorporate their perspective in our reporting.
Focal Point practices trauma-informed reporting. We believe informed consent is vital in this process: We ensure sources understand our process and the potential impacts of our work. We may grant anonymity if we believe sources could face severe professional or personal harm if their identity is revealed to the public.
Anonymous sources will be identified to the fullest extent possible to balance the public’s need for information and the safety of the source. The managing editor of Focal Point and the Editor(s) in Chief at The Daily discuss each source’s circumstances to understand the risk they face if they are publicly identified. We aim to be as transparent with our readers as possible, and only employ anonymous sourcing when the relevant information cannot be obtained any other way.
Focal Point pursues difficult stories that can invoke threats of legal action. Focal Point, as a section of The Daily, is an impartial investigative body editorially independent of outside interests and not answerable to the University or other bodies. Our team avoids perceived or real conflicts of interest, and discloses any such conflicts to the reader if they become evident during an investigation. Focal Point authors cannot write for the Opinion section while they are on our team to minimize partiality.
Ethics
Focal Point adheres to the bylaws of The Michigan Daily and strict journalism ethics as outlined by the Society of Professional Journalists.
Our team seeks out stories that have been hidden implicitly or directly by people in positions of power and by cultures of silence. This can often involve reporting on events that were not directly recorded. We do everything in our power to corroborate what we report, seeking documentation and secondary witnesses whenever possible. We reach out to all parties involved in a story early and often to incorporate their perspective in our reporting.
Focal Point practices trauma-informed reporting. We believe informed consent is vital in this process: We ensure sources understand our process and the potential impacts of our work. We may grant anonymity if we believe sources could face severe professional or personal harm if their identity is revealed to the public.
Anonymous sources will be identified to the fullest extent possible to balance the public’s need for information and the safety of the source. The managing editor of Focal Point and the Editor(s) in Chief at The Daily discuss each source’s circumstances to understand the risk they face if they are publicly identified. We aim to be as transparent with our readers as possible, and only employ anonymous sourcing when the relevant information cannot be obtained any other way.
Focal Point pursues difficult stories that can invoke threats of legal action. Focal Point, as a section of The Daily, is an impartial investigative body editorially independent of outside interests and not answerable to the University or other bodies. Our team avoids perceived or real conflicts of interest, and discloses any such conflicts to the reader if they become evident during an investigation. Focal Point authors cannot write for the Opinion section while they are on our team to minimize partiality.
Positions
Investigative Journalist
As an investigative reporter for Focal Point, you will work on investigations with a team within the section. Teams are usually comprised of 2-3 people. These teams interview subjects, gather documents and write a story within 1-2 semesters. The sensitive nature of our stories means that Focal Point's work is confidential. Information about ongoing stories is only shared within our team and with the EICs. Focal Point will have weekly informational meetings for you to attend on the process and details of investigative reporting, with an expectation that you and your story team(s) will meet weekly to discuss updates and the next steps for stories.
Focal Point
Not accepting applications
Contact
Section email: tipline@michigandaily.com
Managing Focal Point Editors: Sophia Lehrbaum (lehrbaum@umich.edu) and Reva Lalwani (reval@umich.edu)