Building a Tradition of Investigative Journalism
Corruption that can make one cry. Corruption in the Philippines can go as high as the presidency, and reaches a wide range of levels of Philippine bureaucracy. Education, health, infrastructure, internal revenue, local governments. Even books for children and medicines for the poor are not spared. The Philippines is among the countries ranked #102 by Transparency International in 2004, with a Corruption Perception Index of 2.6
Pork-barrel funds: The usual kickbacks Typical payoffs in road projects funded from pork barrel Mayor 7% Legislator 16% City Engineer 10% Village Captain 3% Project Cost 64%
Investigative reporting has increased knowledge on Bribery and other forms of corruption Lifestyles of bureaucrats and other politicians Business and other interests of politicians The cost of corruption and its impact on communities
At the Department of Education, they instituted a massive overhaul of its procurements system after a series of reports investigated how corruption has thrived in the department. The department has imposed stringent bidding requirements for suppliers and mobilized NGOs to monitor deliveries.
January 2001 Joseph Estrada was removed from the presidency by a popular uprising It was the fruit of the people s struggle, as they became aware of Estrada s misdeeds while in office
That episode in Philippine political history reinforced the belief in the power of an informed citizenry.
The media played an important role in the uprising against Estrada. Investigative reporting was crucial in raising public awareness about presidential excesses and in providing the initial evidence for the impeachment charges.
IR makes an impact changing personnel changing policy initiating investigations of wrongdoing focusing attention on previously neglected areas enriching public discussion and raising public awareness
Investigative reporting helps build democratic institutions Helps establish a grand reporting tradition that makes the press a credible institution with support from the public. Strengthens public institutions which are forced to be transparent and accountable because of an inquisitive press Widens access to information
But problems remain Lack of proper standards Sensationalism Poor skills Unethical behavior
From News for Sale, a 1998 PCIJ study on the corruption of the Philippine media: When offered money by their sources, one of every three beat reporters admitted to taking it. Many of them justified accepting money by saying they did not ask for it and that the sources did not ask for anything in return. (The survey asked 100 reporters [69 from print & 31, broadcast]; covering ten major beats)
And in the more recent elections Half of reporters who covered the campaign said they were offered money by candidates, political parties, and other sources, from once to as many as 20 times. Of those who were offered money, more than one-third said they took the money. (59 radio, newspaper, and television reporters were surveyed)
Despite problems, a free press plays its role in a democracy Halting abuse of power Watching government Informing people about government, its policies and how it behaves Catalysing reforms
Building the tradition from a long history of independence the revolutionary media of the 19 th century the struggle under martial law the post-marcos dictatorship media
Building the tradition by teaching Investigative Reporting by continuing trainings for practitioners by policing our own ranks by practicing.
Training for investigative journalism Definitions Techniques and methods Principles and attitudes Ethical issues
Defining investigative journalism In the old-fashioned sense, investigative reporting simply means good reporting. It is getting the facts and getting them right.
But IR asks more questions So what? So why should I care?
IR has context Every story has a history. Every story has a cast of characters. Who are the players? Every story has different points of view. What are the various sides to this story?
Teaching the techniques Systematic, in-depth, longterm research & reporting documentary research (use of public and private records) extensive interviewing first-hand observation immersion crime-solving tools and methods (undercover reporting, hidden cameras, surveillance)
Making a strategy What types of information are needed? What documents will provide this information? Who can the journalist interview to provide these information? What processes or people need to be closely observed?
Teaching the Investigative Trail The Paper Trail: Documents The Human Trail: Interviews, Observation, Surveys The Electronic Trail: Use of computers and the Internet for research and reporting
Investigative reporting is also... A philosophy belief in the watchdog role of the media focus on the accountability of institutions and individuals wielding power the journalism of outrage: belief in the power of the media to catalyze reforms
Ethics and IR And because journalism has tremendous power, practitioners carry with them a similarly tremendous amount of responsibility as well.
Why is ethics important? Good investigative journalism = Skills + Critical thinking + Ethical decision-making
Pyramid of journalists competencies [The Poynter Institute 1998] Ethical competence Cultural and civic competence Visual literacy, technological competence News judgment, narrative and language, reporting skills
Basic ethical principles in journalism: Seek the truth and report it as fully as possible. Act independently. Minimize harm. Be accountable.
By continually training, and building the tradition of IR, it is hoped that the skills of journalists will be enhanced that the guarantees of press freedom will be tested and given meaning that there will be greater hunger among the public for investigative reporting.