Investigative Journalism in the Arab World

Issues and Challenges

verfasst von: Saba Bebawi

Verlag: Palgrave Macmillan UK

Buchreihe : Palgrave Studies in Communication for Social Change

Enthalten in: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Wirtschaft"

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Über dieses Buch

This is the first book that looks into the state and role of investigate journalism in the Arab world. It explores the vital role the media could potentially play in informing and empowering society, to assist in opening up the communicative space in a region where this has previously been taboo.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

Introduction

Abstract

In an article published on 21 June 2010, the executive director of Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism (ARIJ), Rana Sabbagh, describes three young Syrian journalists gathering in a café in Damascus, ‘drinking Arabic coffee and talking animatedly’, not in relation to the usual ‘discussions about regional politics, ministerial portfolios and media restrictions’, but about issues that ‘are affecting the lives of the Syrian public — an increase in child sexual abuse, public health risks from environmental waste and medical incinerators failing to meet international standards’. She notes that ‘[n]ot only are these journalists talking, they are investigating and, more importantly, publishing’ (Sabbagh, 21 June 2010). This picture painted by Sabbagh can be aptly described as ‘beautiful’! It gives not only a sense of optimism but also an impression that change is underway towards addressing issues that are directly impacting the people. These newly trained investigative journalists gathering in a café in Damascus have discovered the power they hold for achieving change.

Saba Bebawi

1. The Rise of Investigative Journalism Globally and in the Arab World

Abstract

Generally speaking, the historic evolvement of investigative reporting has not been systematic, nor has it developed in a regular and routine form. In fact, its emergence can be better characterised as chaotic and dispersed, where its successes in achieving change and making an impact have been occasional. Therefore, the evolution of investigative journalism does not translate into a continuous historical narrative; rather, it can be described as a cyclical evolution that is dependent on particular circumstances and conditions that relate to the media institution; the journalist; and the political, economic, and social conditions at the time. This cyclical evolution can be noted not only at a global level but also in the Arab narrative. This chapter will outline both a global and Arab understanding of the rise of investigative reporting, particularly focusing on developing countries, which have many commonalities with the Arab scenario. First, however, it is necessary to outline what is meant by investigative journalism.

Saba Bebawi

2. Investigative Journalism Training

Abstract

The process of investigative journalism training and the degree of its success have differed from one Arab country to the other. This is mainly dependent on the varying factors that have influenced each country. Having said this, there are common issues that can be identified throughout the training process across the region, which include sustainability, time delays, and self-censorship. Based on interviews with organisational directors, board members, industry partners, coaches, and training journalists, in addition to an observational analysis of journalists’ training, these aspects will be discussed in this chapter. First, however, an overview of the training that has been provided to investigative journalists in the region will be outlined.

Saba Bebawi

3. Investigative Journalism Practice

Abstract

To understand the nature of Arab investigative journalism, it is necessary to provide examples of what kinds of investigative stories are being conducted in the region. As argued throughout this book, investigative stories and investigative reporters need to play a role in change, be it social, political, or environmental, to name a few. Yet investigative stories do not need to address high-level corruption or major political issues in order to constitute change; in fact, investigative reporting can make a difference by uncovering issues that affect people and society at a grassroots level. Andres Jerichow, who is an Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism (ARIJ) board member, comments on this by saying:

In the beginning we had a big ongoing discussion of what kind of stories we would opt for because some people, locally as well as internationally, when talking about journalism immediately started thinking of Watergates and toppling governments and things like that. But for the sake of not only the possibility of work really, but for the sake of the mere improvement of work tools and standards, we decided to try to inspire journalism on very local issues, not on toppling governments. (Jerichow, 6 December 2014)

Saba Bebawi

4. Regulatory Frameworks and Freedom of Information

Abstract

Arab countries have been slow to adopt any national regulatory or policy framework to ensure access to information. In some cases, the development and implementation of regulatory frameworks that assist citizens and journalists to gain access to information have been instigated by the changes brought about by the Arab Spring protests, which in some countries have led to either a change of leadership or amendments to the constitution. Recently, some initiatives have emerged to enhance access to information in the region, and, in turn, the topic has become increasingly debated in many Arab countries. This chapter, therefore, will look into the policy frameworks that have been set up in the region in general, specifically in Tunisia, Yemen, and Jordan, as the main countries where policies surrounding access to information have developed. This chapter will discuss the implementation process, in addition to the obstacles that journalists face in accessing information as a result of deficiencies in these policy frameworks and their implementation.

Saba Bebawi

5. Issues and Challenges

Abstract

The previous chapters have outlined different aspects pertaining to the state of investigative journalism in the Arab region, which include the training of investigative reporting, examples of practice in various Arab countries, and the issue of access to information. There are a few common issues and obstacles that consistently surface in these discussions, such as political constraints, social pressures, and cultural traditions. This chapter looks into the issues and challenges facing investigative reporting in the Arab region, some of which are generic to investigative journalism around the world, as discussed at the start of this book, and some of which are specific to the region.

Saba Bebawi

6. The Way Forward

Abstract

This quote was recited by Egyptian journalists after the revolution, and while it paints an extremely negative picture, it reflects the bleak environment journalists in the region are operating in post-Arab Spring. It also exposes the degree of self-esteem Arab journalists hold as a result of the political pressures and restrictions that they are dealing with. Moments after Egypt’s former president Hosni Mubarak stepped down, the wave of hope, achievement, and possibilities swept through the region in what had been seen as unachievable. Democratic representation and self-determination seemed a reality, more so than ever before, and the ability to build a representative public sphere suddenly became attainable. Yet that moment was short-lived, and it slowly became apparent to journalists that the positive outcomes of the revolution were only the start of a long and difficult road ahead, where Arab journalists would be working in even tighter climates that would continue to be controlled and monitored.

Saba Bebawi

Backmatter

Titel: Investigative Journalism in the Arab World
verfasst von: Saba Bebawi
Verlag: Palgrave Macmillan UK
Electronic ISBN: 978-1-137-46104-9
Print ISBN: 978-1-349-56408-8
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137461049