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?
- Zimbabwe health minister charged in coronavirus corruption case
- Hopewell Chin’ono: Whistle-blowing Zimbabwean journalist arrested
- Zimbabwe: Authorities continue their crackdown on dissent with arrest of investigative journalist and activist
- Joint Statement on the Arrest of Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono in Zimbabwe
TASK 2
Search the internet for the most significant cases of investigative journalism (of the last five years).
What common features do they have?