Investigative journalism as a means of conflict resolution in Cross River Newspaper corporation

Thesis Overview

1.1 Background To The StudyOne 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 ProblemThere 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 studyThe 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