INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM DIALOGUE KICKS OFF IN UB
Around 100 local and foreign media representatives joined the Investigative Journalism Dialogue, held in Ulaanbaatar on September 2 and 3. The first-ever platform dedicated to enhance the skills of Mongolian journalists and develop the quality of investigative journalism in Mongolia was organized by the Press Institute of Mongolia, Deutsche Welle Academy and Mongol TV.
The twoday international conference provided journalists and other specialists an opportunity to meet and discuss the structure, challenges and opportunities of doing investigative journalism in Mongolia, raise awareness and prompt action in the promotion of investigative journalism, and exchange experiences and practices.
Representatives from INSEAD Social Innovation Centre, Global Investigative Journalism Network, Waseda Chronicle, and Deutsche Welle Academy also participated in the event, giving professional assistance and conducting workshops for participants.
On the first day, speakers focused on legislations, legal environment, the role of investigative journalists, and the difference between investigative journalists and investigators. Deputy Head of the State Prosecutor's Office G.Erdenebat, Head of Executive Unit of the Independent Agency Against Corruption A.Dulguun, and journalist G.Ulsbold had an extensive discussion about it during an interactive session.
On the following day, speakers gave presentations to help journalists increase the effectiveness and productivity of their work as well as the quality of their investigative article. For example, Regional Research Manager for Asia of the World Wide Web Foundation Michael P.Canares gave a presentation on “Open Data and its Role in Investigative Journalism”, which delved into the importance of data and lessons from African Network of Centers for Investigative Reporting and the work on Panama Papers.
After Canares’ presentation, editorinchief of Eagle News TV J.Khulan held a discussion session under the topic “How to Implement Effective Workshops and Training on Investigative Journalism” with Press Institute professor Ts.Chimiddondog, author of StoryBased Inquiry Mark Lee Hunter, and Waseda Chronicle professor Kimura Hideaki.
“Today’s dialogue is very significant, especially at this time and era. I’m grateful that many guests from the Press Institute have taken their time to attend the event. Several organizations are setting the foundation for a new position of investigative journalist right here,” said J.Khulan.
“The Investigative Journalism Dialogue will become a place where we can hold open discussions on things such as ways to find financing and writing highquality investigative journalistic material. The Mongolia Media Corporation will strive to create an investigative journalism department.”
The Press Institute is currently carrying out a threeweek training on investigative journalism with support from the Deutsche Welle Academy and famous journalists and professors from across the world, stated executive director of the Press Institute M.Munkhmandakh after the dialogue.
“Lately, investigative journalism has been developing rapidly worldwide. The main reason for it is the fact that information is becoming more open and accessible. As democracy flourishes, it’s becoming easier to access information and governments of many countries are keeping policies and activities more transparent. The need to disclose things hidden and not visible to the eye is growing more than ever now,” she said.
M.Munkhmandakh says that she sees potential in the Mongolian investigative journalism and that local journalists are working very well. However, she fears that lack of trust in journalists is discouraging them from doing better investigation.
“The public assumes that the findings from an investigation by journalists was ordered, paid for, or was done with an ulterior motive. Some think that investigative journalists have been bought by a powerful figure. Like so, mistrust lies between the public and media to this day,” she said.
Participants delved into this topic and ways to make their work more impactful earlier in the evening but had conflicting opinions. While some suggested writing about social and economic issues to raise awareness, others believed it was best to take action after reporting it.
The twoday dialogue encouraged local journalists not to fear risks and challenges in investigative journalism, and helped them get practical advice from senior journalists from across the globe.