Investigative journalism as a means of conflict resolution in Cross
River Newspaper corporation (CHRONICLE)
Calabar.
Department of Linguistics and communication studies
ABSTRACT
This
research on Investigative journalism: A means of conflict resolution is
conducted to determine the role of investigative journalism in conflict
resolution. The purpose of the study is to establish the role of investigative
journalism in conflict resolution. The research design used in this study is
the survey research design. Samples were made from the population through the
random sampling techniques. This technique was used in selecting Cross
River Newspaper corporation (CHRONICLE)
Calabar among all media houses in Nigeria. Both primary and secondary data were used in the
study. Findings made from the data analysis carried out reveals that, there is a major difference between
investigative reporting and hard news reportage, investigative journalism is a
means of conflict resolution. Therefore, Journalist in every media organization
should ensure the adoption of indept inquiry before reporting any information
to the public.
Chapter One: Introduction
1.1
Background To The Study
One of the
major duties of a journalist is to be a civic watchdog and achieving this often
demands investigation and in-depth work. Thus, in a way, all stories are
investigative stories because they require research, digging, interviewing and
writing. All reporters are investigators who are trained to ask questions,
uncover information and write the most complete stories possible. Nevertheless,
some reporters concentrate solely on investigations of wrongdoings. They deal
with reporter adversary relationships that are usually not found in beat
reporting or other in-depth coverage. Their aim is to ferret out well-guarded
information from often hostile sources. This gives them chance to be creative,
to become part of their reader’s emotional lives and sometimes to uncover an injustice and correct it.
According to
Burns,(2002),the major difference
between investigative journalism and
hard news reportage is that investigative journalism is presented in an in-depth form rather than
a feature or hard news form. The characteristic demands that investigative
reportage involves more research and thus more time to write. This becomes very
important because of the sensitive role investigative journalism plays in
conflict resolution, unlike hard news, which is presented in a pyramid form
whereby the most important items are presented in the first few sentences which
may sometimes result escalation of conflict situation instead of resolving it (Harcup,
2008).
This research work
is therefore focused on investigative journalism as a means of conflict
resolution in Cross River Newspaper
corporation (CHRONICLE) Calabar. This of course is a very sensitive matter,
which will demand extensive verification of evidence of all the facts, eyewitness
accounts and interviews presented for
or against a group of people to ensure accuracy.
Levin, (2000),
asserted that Investigative journalism
on the other hand seeks to find information about a news event that may
not be apparent to the public but may lead to revelations that the organization
or people involved may not wish to be put in the public domain. As such, it
gives a further insight into news and it is often linked to campaigns by the
media organizations for better
protection of the rights of people from individuals, organizations or
authorities. It may involve probing investigation by the newspaper through
which evidence of neglect may be found and published in support of the victims
of such conflict situation.
In his opinion,
Ajibade, (2003) asserted that, though presented
in an in-depth form, investigative journalism is unlike many other forms of
feature and even in-depth reportage found in print and presented through the
broadcast media. The major differences being the themes and aims behind the
write-ups.
The aim behind
these forms of reportage is the writer’s search for information in relation to
the selected themes in order to further educate and bring to bear the
consequences behind these themes to the everyday lives of a selected audience.
1.2
Statement Of Problem
There are claims that investigative
journalism has been in the decline since its haydays in the 1970s , and many investigations
are now more concerned with entertainment than information (Harcup,2009).
However, investigative journalism as practised in Nigeria is ineffective as it
is constrained by several problems despite its bright prospects. More often
than not, journalists publish half truth, distorted stories and outright
falsehood without indepth investigation, thereby making rumours ,unsubstantiated
claims and emotions the bedrock of information gathering.
Investigative reporting reveals scandals, shames
and corrupt individuals. It uncovers secrets somebody wants to keep hidden. The
journalists are also given the image of brave and individualistic reporters,
alerted by tip-offs, bringing down a powerful and corrupt figure. Such images
also tend to suggest investigative reporters should focus only on the very
biggest stories such as presidents taking multimillion bribes from oil
companies, or rigging elections. These are misconceptions, which must be
corrected. This study intends to address the fact that Investigative journalism
is not just about investigating secrets that are locked up through laws and
concealment. It involves the role of journalists in uncovering social, economic
or cultural developments too recent to have been identified by experts, hidden
by received wisdom and masked by media sensationalism as this is a means of
resolving most prolonged conflicts.
1.3
objectives of the study
The purpose of
this study is to examine investigative journalism as a means of conflict resolution. The
specific objectives of the study include;
(i)
To
determine the role of investigative journalism in conflict resolution
(ii)
To
examine the difference between investigative
journalism and hard news reportage in
conflict resolution
(iii)
To
examine misconception of investigative journalism in conflict resolution.
1.4
Research Questions
In order to achieve the objectives of this study
the following research question will be considered to guide the study:
(i)
To
what extent does investigative journalism impact in conflict resolution?
(ii)
How
does investigative journalism differ from hard news reportage in conflict
resolution?
(iii)
What
are the misconceptions about investigative journalism in conflict
resolution?
1.5 Significance of the study
This study will be of value to
the print and electronic media organizations both public and private. It will
help them to determine the media-audience
relationship. This measurement can be achieved by understanding the the
role of investigative journalism in conflict resolution. .In Cross River
Newspaper Corporation, Calabar. The study will also arouse both states and
Federal government interest to see the need in providing adequate resources to
media organizations and also speed up the process of information dissemination
concerning government policies and programmes. The study will also provide a
platform for management of media organizations to direct resources
appropriately in order to encourage thoroughness in investigative journalism.
The study can also be useful to researchers for further studies.
1.6
Limitation of the study
The limitation of the study is
due to insufficient financial resources, time and materials that have hindered
the researcher from much access
towards sourcing for vital and
relevant information that would have made this study more elaborate.
1.7
Definition of terms
For the purpose of clarity, the
following terms which are used in the course of this research are hereby
defined;
1.7.1 Journalism: is the art
and science of gathering, selecting and processing information or ideas, intelligence for dissemination to the
public.
1.7.2
Investigative Journalism:
Is a form of journalism in which reporters deeply investigate a single
topic of interest, such as serious crimes, political
corruption,
or corporate wrongdoing
1.7.3
Conflict Resolution:
is conceptualized as the methods and processes involved in facilitating the
peaceful ending of conflict and retribution.
1.7.4 Conflict: is an inherent incompatibility between the objectives of two or more characters or forces.
1.8
Research design and methodology
This research is
library-based and explores extensively resources such as textbooks, journals,
critical reviews and the internet. The researcher will also source for vital information from
media houses as well as members of the general public.