A special report is a customized financial report that deviates from the standard formats set by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. It addresses unique information needs while maintaining professional standards and clarity. Special reports can involve specific sections, accounts, or items of a financial statement, and are often prepared to comply with contractual agreements or regulatory provisions.
In journalism, a special report is an indepth article on a particular subject matter that requires specialized expertise to write. These articles are generally written about controversial topics and must adhere to certain academic standards.
Research reports are often considered to be a type of special report because they are written about the results of systematic investigations. These documents should clearly state the aims and objectives of the systematic investigation, as well as the research methods that were used. They should also provide a detailed analysis of the existing knowledge on the subject matter and include first-hand verifiable information.
The Hastings Center Report, which publishes essay sets organized around topical bioethical issues, is a good example of a special report. It contains both journalistic reporting and discussion among the participants of the research projects who reached different moral conclusions about the projects’ central questions.
The political talk show Special Report is a Fox News Channel program that was anchored by Brit Hume until his retirement in 2008. Today, the program is anchored by Bret Baier. The program is known for its coverage of breaking political news and incisive discussion of the day’s events out of Washington, D.C.