CMEDAI organize a Two days training on Investigative journalism for partners.

Ibrahim Umar Kanempress 18th May 2023

Collaborative Media Engagement for Development, Inclusivity and Accountability (CMEDAI) organises a two days webinar training for it’s partners.

The first resource person Mr Samson Ademola speaks on reflection and investigative reporting where he says in order to produce quality investigative stories, there are some key elements that must be considered:

• Relevance: Investigative stories must be relevant to the public interest. They must address issues that affect and impact people’s lives in a significant way.

-When it comes to story quality in investigative journalism, there are several important factors to consider. First and foremost, the story needs to be newsworthy and have a clear and significant impact on the public. Investigative journalism should uncover facts that affect people’s lives directly or indirectly.

Good investigative stories are also characterized by accuracy and thoroughness. Journalists must undertake in-depth research, use reliable sources, and carefully verify all information before publishing. Incorrect or incomplete information can lead to legal problems for the journalist and the media outlet, as well as harm the reputation of the people involved.

Another critical factor to consider is the potential for the story to raise awareness, provoke discussion and influence change. Investigative journalism should challenge the status quo and reveal corruption or other wrongdoing in society. It should hold the powerful accountable and help people understand complex issues.

Mr Ademola further encourage participants to strive for high standards of story quality, including newsworthiness, accuracy, and impact.

The second resource person Mr Idris Akinbajo who was also the managing editor of Premium Times speaks about the topic” What Investigative Journalism is not, Story Idea, and Story Pitch:”

Mr Idris Akinbajo’s topic also covers crucial aspects of investigative journalism that participants need to understand. Investigative journalism is not about sensationalism or chasing after stories that will get them viral clicks or views. Instead, it involves following a rigorous methodology and seeking to uncover stories that will have significant societal consequences.

In terms of story ideas, facilitators like myself could encourage participants to look for stories with public interest implications or stories that address critical problems in their society.

Investigative journalism should focus on what people and institutions are doing that may be causing harm or undermining democracy.

Finally, in pitching a story, investigators must be clear, concise, and persuasive. The pitch should clearly answer the question, “Why should this story be covered?” and highlight its relevance and significance. The pitch must also demonstrate the journalist’s expertise, the feasibility of the investigation, and the potential for impact.

In summary, the training should emphasize that investigative journalism should be done with integrity and dedication, and must adhere to strict ethical standards. It should provide participants with the skills and knowledge needed to undertake quality investigations and to pitch their stories effectively.

During the second day of the Training, the first speaker Mrs Stella Iyali who was the managing editor of Daily Trust focused on the two crucial aspects of investigative reporting – Ethics and Safety.

Mrs Iyali emphasized that investigative reporting should always be guided by ethical principles.

Reporters should be careful not to violate the privacy, dignity, and rights of the people they are investigating. They should also be careful not to harm anyone emotionally or physically and should always seek ethical considerations are vital for any investigative reporter since the information they uncover can have tremendous implications for individuals, communities, and the broader society. The speaker stated that investigative journalists must act as responsible members of their profession, adhering to the highest ethical principles in their work.

Iyali added that the media plays a vital role in society, and investigative reporting is essential to uncover corruption, wrongdoing, and injustice. However, journalists must perform their duty without harrowing any individual’s reputation or rights. They have to be objective and unbiased in their reporting and avoid sensationalizing their findings.

Additionally, the safety of the reporters is another essential aspect of investigative reporting. The speaker highlighted that journalists often work on sensitive stories that expose people who can resort to violence to protect their interests. Journalists must take measures to protect themselves and their sources, especially in dangerous settings.

The speaker suggested some safety measures, such as ensuring that journalists work in teams, always having a plan before starting an investigation, maintaining proper communication, and having emergency protocols to follow in case of any danger.

In conclusion, Mrs Stella Iyali emphasized that ethical considerations and safety measures are two critical aspects of investigative reporting and must be prioritized to ensure responsible journalism and the safety of journalists.