"Shouldn't journalists be open about what they are investigating?"
To whom? Nobody besides the government could serve the role you suggest. Should reporters register with the government to ensure they are only investigating and reporting on things they are permitted to report on?
While that kind of thing might fly in North Korea, China, Russia, or Iran, in the US there's a Constitutional amendment barring that kind of thing, so it wouldn't work here.
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
To whom? Nobody besides the government could serve the role you suggest. Should reporters register with the government to ensure they are only investigating and reporting on things they are permitted to report on?
While that kind of thing might fly in North Korea, China, Russia, or Iran, in the US there's a Constitutional amendment barring that kind of thing, so it wouldn't work here.
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."