Global Investigative Journalism Network’s Post

📢 World Politics, Journalism, and New LinkedIn Writing Series! The Power of Fearless Reporting: Lessons from Covering Wagner in Africa 📰 The latest reading that I found in the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism blog reminds me of the vision why I would like to dive deep into journalism adventure. As a journalist, the pursuit of truth often leads us down dangerous paths. Few understand this better than Nigerian journalist Philip Obaji Jr., who has spent years covering the Wagner Group's activities in Africa. His fearless reporting has unveiled human rights abuses, political instability, and disinformation campaigns despite facing immense personal risks. Since 2018, Philip's investigations have shed light on the mercenary group's presence in countries like the Central African Republic and Mali. His commitment to the truth earned him international recognition, including the 2023 One World Media Awards International Journalist of the Year and the 2022 Jaime Brunet International Prize. What I find particularly inspiring is his approach to investigative journalism, even when it means risking his life. From being threatened by mercenaries to enduring online abuse, Philip's resilience reminds us of the critical role journalists play in holding power to account. His advice to aspiring journalists? 1️⃣ Build contacts everywhere—UN missions, government, military. It’s these networks that often provide the lifeline to stories in conflict zones. 2️⃣ Stay mentally strong—reporting on dangerous groups like Wagner requires more than physical endurance. 3️⃣ Prioritize safety—remember, no story is worth dying for. But for those who do pursue these challenging stories, it’s the truth that drives them. Philip’s work isn’t just about exposing crimes; it’s about giving a voice to those silenced by conflict. His dedication is a powerful reminder of the role journalism plays in confronting injustice, no matter the risks. I continue to be inspired by the courage of reporters like Philip Obaji Jr., who lead with integrity and a deep sense of responsibility toward those impacted by violence and exploitation. While I want to achieve something in the political and industry verticals in the future, I also want to continue producing by writing and drawing to achieve media power with the profile I want to create. I will continue to share content like this as long as it attracts attention. For more: https://lnkd.in/dTxV24Bz #Journalism #WagnerGroup #ConflictReporting #HumanRights #Africa #PhilipObaji #FearlessReporting #CentralAfricanRepublic #Mali #InvestigativeJournalism

Lost in Europe, a cross-border journalism project investigating missing child migrants in Europe, has uncovered a shocking figure of 51,433 children who disappeared after arriving in European countries between 2021 and 2023. Over the past few months, I have been gathering data from various European countries, focusing on the disappearances of unaccompanied minors. The findings are published today in multiple European media such as NRC, CNN, ANSA, ARD/RBB, De Standaard, Knack, Noteworthy and Εfimerida ton Syntakto. According to the available data, Italy has the highest number of registered missing unaccompanied minors, with 22,899, followed by Austria (20,077), Belgium (2,241), Germany (2,005), and Switzerland (1,226). The number of missing children may be even higher because the data is often inconsistent and incomplete, and many countries in Europe do not even collect data on missing unaccompanied minors. These figures have been described as “worrying” by Aagje Ieven, Secretary General of Missing Children Europe. “The increased number of reports on missing unaccompanied minors serves as a sharp reminder of the giant iceberg that looms beneath the surface,” Ieven told Lost in Europe. These shocking findings underscore the seriousness of the issue, with thousands of children missing and their whereabouts unknown.

Opportunity

Conflict reporting is one of the most hyper-colonised corners of the world’s largest newsrooms. Even in racially diverse newsrooms, reporting on conflicts can be tricky. But the egregious errors that appear to get past editorial filters in newsrooms that take pride in the accuracy of their conflict reporting needs to be accounted for. It also needs to be put on record that, with these consistent errors, Western journalists are “mediating” the conflict in Palestine, not simply reporting on it. I would be mincing my words if I do not call it what it is: a textbook case of coloniser’s journalism. It is journalism done by practitioners from colonising countries who take pride in their imperial conquests and have an elevated sense of self, every fibre nurtured by centuries of predatory accumulation of wealth, knowledge and privilege. These journalists seem convinced that their countries have fought and defeated particularly immoral and powerful enemies throughout history, stopped evil in its tracks, protected civilisation, saved the day. This is the dominant story of the West and by extension, the story of Western journalism too. https://lnkd.in/eqn3KiSV

The Asia Investigative Reporting Network organizational grants for investigative journalism in Southeast Asia Deadline 20 September 2024 Newsrooms in Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand can apply for this grant to strengthen investigative journalism. The Asia Investigative Reporting Network (AIR Network), in partnership with the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ), is offering an organizational grant of up to US$9,000 in funding for newsrooms in Southeast Asia to develop and implement a collaborative project. The Air Network aims to empower journalists across the region through training, networking and financial support. The proposed projects should strengthen investigative journalism, amplify its impact, and advance safety and security for investigative journalists through capacity building programs or resources development. The grant is open to newsrooms based in Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand. Exiled media based in these countries are also eligible. https://lnkd.in/gRC_AwBJ

Which countries gets to enjoy peace journalism, and which are still subject to conflict journalism? My recent paper with Prof Innocent Chiluwa in Critical Discourse Studies shows that, even in a single news programme, peace journalism is used alongside conflict journalism - and it all depends on which nations are being described. Check out our Open Access article below, especially if you're interested in geopolitics, media representations, and discourse studies. https://lnkd.in/gMMuMhHS

NAMPU wants training for journalists in oil and gas industry reporting: Stefanus Nashama Joining the world in commemorating World Press Freedom Day, the Namibia Media Professionals Union (NAMPU) demands that journalists must be equipped with the skills and knowledge to cover the complexities in the oil and gas sector. This is according to a statement issued by NAMPU’s acting secretary-general, Jemima Beukes, on Thursday. “The oil and gas industry is characterised by intricate legal frameworks, technical terminology, and opaque practices, presenting unique challenges for journalists. To address this gap, NAMPU calls upon newsrooms to prioritise the specialisation of reporters in the oil and gas sector and invest in specialised training and resources to enhance the quality and depth of their coverage,” she said. The 2024 day is commemorated under the theme “A Press for the Planet: Protecting Journalists and Scientists in Defence of the Environment,” While looking at the oil and gas sectors, the union reflects on other challenges and opportunities journalists worldwide face in pursuing truth. Beukes said this includes a culture of continual learning and professional development which is necessary for newsrooms to provide journalists with ongoing training and resources. “The absence of a registered trade union can leave journalists susceptible to the influence of powerful conglomerates with financial resources, which can pose a threat to their independence and integrity”, she added. Beukes stated that the union believes collaborative efforts between newsrooms, industry experts, and civil society organisations can provide journalists with insights and resources to support their reporting efforts. “As Namibia navigates the challenges and opportunities presented by the oil and gas industry, NAMPU stands ready to support journalists in their crucial role as informers and watchdogs of society,” she stressed. Although NAMPU has not yet been registered as a union representing journalists, reporters, and practitioners in the media industry, Beukes emphasised that the organisation remains committed to promoting excellence in journalism and advocating for the rights and professional development of journalists.

Talking Africa today! I wrote a piece published on the International Journalists' Network (IJNet) about the importance of solutions journalism for the sustainability of the African media. I shared ways solutions journalism can help newsrooms engage audiences and maintain viability, highlighting successful approaches adopted by established media organizations like The Seattle Times and Reasons to be Cheerful I also wrote on the importance of solutions journalism to the development of Africa and highlighted 'the African context' which emphasizes the need to utilize qualitative data more in the absence of quantitative data. This approach addresses the lack of accurate data and very often, the inaccessibility in the continent. Most media organizations across the world are grappling with sustainability. There's a need to look inward. While local newsrooms in Africa feel the brunt on a larger scale, solutions journalism provides an opportunity to experiment, grow and connect with audiences. The charge is for African local newsrooms to experiment more, strategize better and strive for newsroom dependency. https://lnkd.in/gwSib_5y

A very personal opinion / reflection on an important yet unrecognised issue: South Africa – WAKE UP! If it were not for the journalism industry, South Africa would still be under State Capture. Investigative journalism has lead directly to the resignation of a President, the dismissal of a number of ministers, uncovering of criminal networks operating across our SOE’s, the establishment of the Zondo Commission, and much, much more. These stories that you have read and know about, and discussed with great authority over the dinner table, over the last decade and a half, have kept South Africa alive, but we are still in ICU. BUT - journalism is dying. News sites are shutting down, news media houses are struggling to pay salaries, and the total work force of the news media industry, but specifically journalists, is in decline. Why? Because advertising revenues, the historic life blood of the news media industry, are now going to US tech giants – who WILL NOT be investigating fraud and corruption and ensuring that your eyes are open to the realities of the world that YOU live in. Imagine for a second there is no independent news journalism in South Africa…………. Who is in charge? What are they doing? Is what you are hearing true or accurate? Who can you trust? Are you safe? The REALITY is, much of South Africa ISN’T covered by news journalism. The news YOU know about is largely centred around the large metro’s. But can you, hand on heart, say you really know what is going on in smaller towns and cities across South Africa? Who do you think is on the ground, reporting on fraud, corruption, the basic state of affairs? Who is holding leadership to account in Prieska, Kuruman, Pofadder, Mokopane? And those are urban areas. Over 20m South African’s live in rural areas…….think about who is helping them understand and hold democracy to account. The point I’m trying to get to is: How critically do you think about the news you consume – where it comes from, who pays for it, etc. What more can WE do? Do you consume your news for free? And if so, how can you contribute to help journalism in South Africa? As an individual you can donate to news media organisations (and even claim a Section 18 tax deduction for it). As a company, think about how you deploy your advertising spend. Happy to hear thoughts and comments. Also willing to share ideas on how to help. If you want to discuss further feel free to send a private message.