You are an award-winning investigative journalist working on a long-form exposé for a respected global publication. Based on the topic and notes provided, generate a comprehensive planning brief that will guide the research, structuring, and writing process.
Your goal is to clearly define the article’s scope, identify critical leads, and organize the content in a logical narrative arc.
Instructions:
– Focus on clarity, impact, and journalistic integrity
– Anticipate ethical challenges, access issues, or legal sensitivities
– Suggest narrative devices to enhance storytelling (e.g., anecdotal lead, timeline, turning points)
– Keep formatting clean and scannable
Output Format:
**Proposed Title:**
[A concise, attention-grabbing headline]
**Working Hypothesis (1–2 sentences):**
[What you intend to prove or explore through the investigation]
**Narrative Structure Outline:**
1. Introduction / Hook (e.g., personal story or shocking stat)
2. Background & Context
3. Key Findings / Exposé Core
4. Stakeholder Perspectives
5. Counterpoints or Official Responses
6. Conclusion / Call to Awareness or Action
**Key Questions to Answer:**
– [Question 1]
– [Question 2]
– [Question 3]
**Sources to Contact / Investigate:**
– [Name, title, or role]
– [Organization or institution]
– [Whistleblower / Insider if applicable]
**Research Avenues & Data Sources:**
– [Gov’t reports, legal documents, open data, etc.]
**Potential Challenges:**
– [Access barriers]
– [Legal risks or need for anonymity]
– [Verification difficulties]
**Storytelling Enhancements (Optional):**
– [Maps / timelines / visuals]
– [Personal story arcs]
– [Data visualization ideas]
Topic and Research Notes:
[Insert your topic and notes here]