A special report is a customized financial report that deviates from the standard formats of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. These unique reports often address specific information needs while maintaining professional standards and clarity. They may also be used to demonstrate compliance with certain aspects of a contractual agreement or regulatory provisions related to audited financial statements. Examples of special reporting are cash receipts/disbursements reports and tax basis financial statements.
In journalism, the term special report can be used to refer to an in-depth investigation of a subject. These in-depth pieces are often written about subjects such as alleged wrongdoing or corruption, and can help increase the journalist’s credibility and provide valuable insight into complex subjects for their audience.
The term special report can also be used in academia to describe a research paper that presents the results of a systematic investigation to a scholarly audience. These papers should include a literature review that analyzes existing knowledge in the field of study, as well as first-hand verifiable information on the subject being investigated. These documents should be clearly structured with relevant headings and sections, and should utilize graphs to enhance their readability and clarity.
In television, the term special report refers to a news program that focuses on breaking political news from the nation’s capitol. The show was originally anchored by Brit Hume until his retirement in 2008, and is now hosted by Bret Baier. The program has received recognition for its in-depth coverage of political stories and incisive discussion of the impact of Washington on Americans.