What is the place of anger in the work of journalism? Based on a discourse analysis of investigative journalists’ reflections on the role of anger in their work, this paper explores common understandings of the utility and ‘proper place’ of anger in journalism. I argue that anger can be usefully theorised by drawing on P.F. Strawson’s account of anger as a reactive attitude and Amia Srinivsasan’s account of anger having dimensions of aptness and prudence. In contrast to existing work arguing for a norm proscribing emotion in journalistic texts, anger forms a valued component in the work of investigative journalists, albeit one with important norms around its control and management.

Anger and the Investigative Journalist

Katherine Furman talking on Power FM about Thabo Mbeki's AIDS denialism.

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