MassCom Digest: Notes, Theories & Media Trends

Investigative Journalism means the unveiling of matters that are concealed either deliberately by someone in a position of power, or accidentally, behind a chaotic mass of facts and circumstances - and the analysis and exposure of all relevant facts to the public. In this way investigative journalism crucially contributes to freedom of expression and media development, which are at the heart of UNESCO’s mandate . UNESCO has constantly fostered debate on media accountability and professional and ethical standards, which provide journalists with guiding principles and training materials on how to best exercise their profession. In collaboration with Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism (ARIJ), UNESCO launched the first manual for investigative journalists in Arab States, entitled Story-Based Inquiry: A Manual for Investigative Journalists in 2009. Following the successful launch of the Manual which has been adopted by many journalism programmes in the Arab States, Asia, the Unit...

INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING he question WHAT IS INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING is still a cause of debate even among journalists-practitioners, as well as media theoreticians. One side is convinced that INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING is the peak of the reporting skill, and consider the investigative reporters special kinds of journalists. Others consider INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING to be simply a trendy title, just another way of marking the old, good, thorough journalism, which was unfathomable without constant running after the news, and without "peeling off the soles of their shoes" all day long. One of the most important skills of a good reporter is the ability to simply, convincingly, and clearly explain what he/she wants to say. A good way to do so is by comparing with generally known information or everyday situations. If we would use this method to demonstrate what investigative reporting is, we could use, for example, police work as a comparison. Investigative reporters, as forensic cr...