Investigative Journalism: Covid-gate Scandal

In this unit, we will look into the concept of investigative journalism, its tools and features, and study the case of the covid-19 corruption scandal to have a better insight into the issue.

BACKGROUND

Investigative journalism is a systematic in-depth and original reporting. Its essential components are

● forming a hypothesis and testing it by fact-finding, fact-checking and fact analysis

● using public data and public records

● exposing secret or hidden information

● focus on social justice and accountability.

Investigative journalism can often be confused with leak journalism, which is a one-off leak of confidential information or a document. A leak can become a start of investigative reporting, but journalists must do their own digging, verify information and provide context.

TASK 1

Follow the links to study the case of investigative journalism in Zimbabwe and answer the questions below:

1) What did Hopewell Chin’ono expose?

2) What consequences did the investigation lead to?

3) What requirements to the Zimbabwean government have been laid down by human rights activist groups?

TASK 2

Search the internet for the most significant cases of investigative journalism (of the last five years).

What common features do they have?

10 examples of powerful investigative journalism 

Top Ten Works of Journalism of the Decade: Nominees