Ramallah – For the third year in a row, seeking to empower male and female journalists in investigative reporting, engage in intellectual stimulation to explore corruption in greater depth, and produce investigative reports that blow the whistle in issues of concern to a broad cross-section of society, Filastiniyat concluded a training session on investigative reporting. Held over three days in partnership with the Coalition for Accountability and Integrity (AMAN), the training targeted 16 journalists from different media outlets.
Using an informed methodology, including ethical standards for producing highly professional investigative reports, the training session addressed the current context of investigative journalism in Palestine and highlighted some vibrant media models that are worthy of emulation. The training presented how the investigative reporting process could be managed, starting from the structure of an investigative report all the way through to publication. The training activity also elaborated on obstacles and challenges to investigative reporting, particularly in the absence of a law on access to information. Accordingly, journalists need to verify information sources and exercise precaution regarding leaked information.
Participating male and female journalists will draft assumptions, which would promote the values of integrity, principles of transparency, systems of accountability and fight against corruption in issues involving public financial management and public administration. These assumptions will be further developed to see the light of day. Ensuring change for the better, necessary measures will be taken by decision-makers. Investigate reports will also provide feedback, which serves as a submission to the Attorney General to launch thorough investigations and make sure that safeguard against impunity for corrupt individuals.
The training was part of “Journalists Exercise Accountability 3” Initiative, implemented in partnership with AMAN. This aims at providing capacity development to, and encouraging, male and female journalists to produce investigative reports and take sides with human values premised on the principle of social justice.
