Master Class for investigative journalists from the Balkans - Media Programme Southeast Europe
Event Reports
Selected investigative journalists from 17 countries have visited an international Master Class in Konjic (Bosnia and Herzegovina) from 21st to 27th August. Within the annual BIRN Summer School for Investigative Reporting, they learned the latest trends of data journalism, special strategies for online research and interview techniques. Besides that, international cooperation among investigative reporters was intensified.
The KAS Media Program South East Europe is a co-host and partner of BIRN at the Summer School. "When investigative journalism is practiced professionally and decently, it promotes transparency in politics and society," said the Head of the Media Program South East Europe, Christian Spahr. "Journalists can thus contribute to claim accountability of politicians and make democratic standards stronger."
The trainers from the USA, Great Britain and South East Europe, who were selected by BIRN, are counted among the worldwide best in their field. Therefore, the Summer School was also visited by experienced reporters beyond the Balkan region, who participated at their own expenses. This year participants came, amongst others, from the USA, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy and of course South East Europe.
After an introduction in professional and ethical standards of investigative journalism by lead trainer Blake Morrison (Reuters), the guests learned how to analyse publicly available databases and excel tables with economic data, in order to find hints of corruption. Crina Boros from the Centre for Investigative Journalism (CIJ) in London introduced instruments of data journalism to the participants.
The director of the investigation department of British BBC, Paul Myers, explained to the journalists how to use Facebook and other social networks for researching profiles. Via the Facebook "Graph Search", it is possible to find hints for potential business connections or conflicts of interest of CEOs and politicians.
More in the event report.
