Workshop Emphasizes Fact-Checking and Ethics in Investigative Journalism
A workshop titled “Media for Building an Inclusive New Bangladesh: Investigative Journalism” emphasized the need for journalists to verify digital information through fact-checking and to exercise ethical judgment when publishing news. Despite an increase in the number of newspapers, investigative journalism has not expanded at the same rate due to constraints like time, investment, commitment, and the rise of misinformation spread via digital platforms.
Held at the National Institute of Mass Communication on Thursday, the workshop featured Daily Manab Zamin’s Editor-in-Chief Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, who discussed the challenges facing investigative journalism. Chowdhury highlighted that insufficient time for journalists and inadequate security from news organizations remain significant barriers. He noted that editorial pressures often arise from external influence, which can impact investigative reporting.
In his keynote, Chowdhury also recounted challenges faced during his extensive journalism career, including threats from government officials and intelligence agencies during periods of civil unrest, which further underscored the need for protections in investigative journalism.
Sufi Zakir Hossain, Director General of the National Institute of Mass Communication presided over the event. The workshop also featured Mir Mashrur Zaman, Chief News Editor of Channel i. Zaman underscored the basics of investigative journalism, stressing the importance of obtaining perspectives from at least five to seven sources in a single report. He emphasized that true investigative reporting relies on uncovering facts through one’s own research rather than simply rehashing information from existing sources.
Conducted by Dr. Md. Maruf Nawaz, Director of Training at the Institute, the day-long workshop saw the participation of about 60 media representatives. Certificates were distributed, and participants’ questions were addressed, providing an interactive learning experience.
