<P> Watchdog journalism informs the public about goings - on in institutions and society, especially in circumstances where a significant portion of the public would demand changes in response . This might involve: </P> <Ul> <Li> Fact - checking statements of public officials . </Li> <Li> Interviewing public figures and challenging them with problems or concerns . </Li> <Li> Beat reporting to gather information from meetings that members of the public might not otherwise attend, and to observe "on the ground" in broader society </Li> <Li> Investigative journalism, which involves information - gathering on a single story for a long period of time </Li> </Ul>

The watchdog role of the press helps to