Investigative journalism involves thoroughly researching a topic to expose evidence and deliver findings of figures or organizations to a wider audience. Investigative journalists conduct in-depth research and use various tactics to collect information. After collecting and evaluating evidence, investigative journalists write comprehensive reports to expose the subject and provide evidence to support their conclusions. 

This type of journalism often requires more time to plan, prepare and research, and is typically a longer form to fully report details of research, findings and conclusions. Investigative journalism can be both print and broadcast media. An example of investigative journalism includes researching businesses to determine whether they promote fair practices. 

Watchdog journalism is a genre intended to guard society against illegal activity or inefficiency from societal powers, such as corporations and politicians. It is similar to investigative journalism in that the intent is to uncover and expose wrongdoing. Watchdog journalists monitor the activities of large companies and influential figures and report activities that may have negative impacts on society. This type of journalism helps ensure societal powers remain accountable for their actions. 

Watchdog journalism can be both print and broadcast media. An example of watchdog journalism includes investigations into political campaign finances to ensure that candidates adhere to campaign finance law.

Online journalism reports facts through internet media, such as digital newspapers, blogs or social media. All kinds of information is freely available on the internet, but sources are not always credible. Online journalists create and deliver content that aligns with the traditional journalism practices of objectively reporting the facts of a situation or event. Online journalism allows reporters to quickly deliver information to audiences through online media without delays for print layout, processing and delivery or broadcast time slots.

Broadcast journalism reports information to the public through media such as radio and television. Branches of broadcast journalism include sports, weather, traffic, news and entertainment. Broadcast journalism can also take the form of investigative, watchdog and opinion types. Broadcast journalism can include reading the report without corresponding video, narrating a report with a related video playing in the background or conducting a report in the field while capturing live video.