Workshop hones investigative reporting skills

Team USP Journalism during the investigative journalism and political reporting workshop at the Tanoa Plaza Hotel in Suva. From left: USP student journalists Venina Rakautoga, Grace Tuvakasiga and Kirisitiana Uluwai (far right) with USP Journalism Programme co-ordinator Dr Shailendra Singh, Wansolwara supervising editor-in-chief Geraldine Panapasa and USP Journalism Programme graduate Linda Filiai. Picture: WANSOLWARA STAFF

Despite the various challenges faced by journalists to report on serious crimes, political corruption, or corporate wrongdoing, there is still a growing interest to develop investigative reporting in the region.

And according to experienced US journalist Mark Horvit, there were many examples of journalists who had overcome difficulties such as the lack of access to information, resources and time to bring those issues to the forefront.

The Associate Professor at the University of Missouri School of Journalism made the comment in Suva today during an investigative journalism and political reporting workshop organised by the US Embassy as part of the US Specialist Speaker Program.

Fijian journalists at the investigative journalism and political reporting workshop organised by the US Embassy at Tanoa Plaza Hotel in Suva. Picture: WANSOLWARA STAFF

“I know there are some journalists in the region who do very good work and I also know there are some real difficulties in many of these countries because of the lack of policies for access to information and the difficulties faced in getting key information that the public should have the right to,” he said at the Tanoa Plaza Hotel.

“At the same time, you see a lot of really good work being done. The meeting this week shows that there are a lot of journalists who are interested in doing this kind of work and that’s one of the most important things – having reporters and editors who want to do this.”

The investigative journalism workshop focused on an overview of investigative reporting, finding information online and through social media as well as interactive discussions on generating story ideas.

“Some journalists are so busy doing their every day work that they don’t have time to think about how they can do this, what kind of options are out there or what type of resources are available,” said Horvit, who teaches investigative reporting and previously worked as a reporter and editor for 20 years.

Participants included journalists from print and broadcast media in Fiji, Tonga, Nauru, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Department of Information, Fiji Police Force, Fiji National University as well as The University of the South Pacific.

USP Journalism Programme co-ordinator Dr Shailendra Singh said the workshop was useful and provided the platform for an interesting exchange of ideas.

“There is always something to learn from how things are done in other countries and context. Investigative journalism does not necessarily require spending a great deal of time and money, as we heard today” Dr Singh said.

The workshop will conclude on Friday.

Report by WANSOLWARA STAFF