Open-source intelligence (usually styled as OSINT) refers to the practice of gathering information from public sources. In a journalism context, this often means knowing how to effectively search the web and social media, for example, to develop background information on someone who has suddenly become a public figure.

The best-known, and maybe only, journalistic organization specializing in open-source investigations is Bellingcat, who have done amazing work with satellite imagery and social media posts, among other sources.

Resources

First Steps to Getting Started in Open Source Research - bellingcat

Bellingcat's Online Investigation Toolkit [bit.ly/bcattools]

This one is oriented towards defense and government intelligence, more than journalism, but it’s kinda interesting just to browse anyway!

This one is oriented towards defense and government intelligence, more than journalism, but it’s kinda interesting just to browse anyway!