Investigative work often begins with information that is incomplete. A tip may identify a potential problem, but it is not evidence by itself. An allegation is a claim made by a person or organisation and must be attributed as such. A proven finding requires evidence strong enough to support a factual conclusion.
Keeping those categories separate protects both accuracy and fairness. It prevents early suspicions from being presented as established facts and helps reporters identify exactly what still needs to be verified.
Strong investigations also give relevant subjects a meaningful opportunity to respond before publication and include those responses where they materially affect the reader’s understanding.
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