Empowering Investigative Journalism And the Challenges Ahead

Investigative Journalism is no less demanding than the work of an investigative police officer, tactical, strategic, risky, yet exciting, offering exposure to the raw and unfiltered world.

In India, crime reporters are often regarded as investigative journalists because our country lacks a strong culture of investigative journalism. However, a few Indian media outlets, especially in print media, have established special cadres dedicated to investigative journalism.

In contrast, investigative journalists in foreign countries possess remarkable skills and greater freedom, along with more support from authorities. Some are even used as assets on foreign soil to gather intelligence on enemies’ actions, plans, locations, and positions.

The primary role of investigative journalists is to uncover hidden truths by piecing together scraps of evidence and filing reports on issues often overlooked by authorities. They are experts in reading between the lines and conducting in-depth research. In India, not only are cases overlooked, but some are actively torn apart to shield the culprits.

In 2024, India ranked 159th out of 180 countries on the Press Freedom Index, as released by Reporters Without Borders, a French NGO. Although India’s rank improved from 161 in 2023, this was largely due to a decline in other countries' rankings. Unfortunately, India is still considered one of the most dangerous countries for journalists. Besides the safety indicator, India’s score has worsened in all other areas. Moreover, India ranks behind Turkey (158th), Pakistan (152nd), and Sri Lanka (150th).

I believe India should create a dedicated cadre for journalists within its All India Services, distinct from the Indian Information Service (IIS). Journalists should be appointed to key positions, much like civil servants, to leverage their expertise. At present, journalism and mass communication are not even offered as optional subjects in the UPSC examination. If MBBS graduates and engineers can become civil servants and choose their fields as optional subjects, then why not journalists? Journalism professionals should have similar opportunities in the UPSC and state civil services exams, allowing them to contribute their unique skills to governance and administration. 

This Is How It Can Be Helpful: 

1. Enhanced Transparency and Accountability: Journalists are trained to question authority and expose wrongdoing. Integrating journalists into civil services would bring a focus on transparency, ensuring that public policies and government operations are more closely scrutinized for corruption, inefficiency, or ethical violations.

2. Investigative Skills in Law Enforcement: Journalists often possess a unique skill set when it comes to investigations. Their ability to dig deep into facts, follow trails, and uncover hidden truths could significantly improve law enforcement investigations. This can enhance the effectiveness of police work, particularly in complex cases involving corruption, financial crimes, or human rights violations.

3. Policy Research and Public Engagement: Journalists can contribute to better policy-making by conducting in-depth research and understanding the ground realities. Their communication training would also allow civil services to better engage with the public, explain policies clearly, and address concerns more effectively, improving governance and trust.

4. Better Crisis Communication: During disasters or crises, journalists in the civil service can act as bridges between the government and the public. Their expertise in rapidly disseminating accurate information can improve crisis response, minimize panic, and provide clear guidance.

5. Media Literacy and Information Management: Journalists understand media landscapes and the power of information. Incorporating their skills into the civil service could help the government handle sensitive information better, counter misinformation, and communicate more strategically with the public.

6. Balanced Governance: With journalists in key positions, there could be a better balance between power structures, as they are trained to question the status quo. This could ensure that government policies are critiqued from within, allowing for more ethical decision-making processes.

7. Training Civil Servants in Media Relations: Journalists integrated into civil services can train civil servants on how to interact with the media, ensuring that government communication is clear, consistent and transparent. This could help prevent misunderstandings or manipulation of public information.

8. Journalistic Insights for Social Issues: Journalists often have in-depth knowledge of societal problems, from inequality to environmental concerns. In the civil service, they could offer insights to craft policies that address root causes rather than superficial symptoms, creating a more equitable society.

9. Promotion of Press Freedom: If journalists are part of the civil service system, it may strengthen press freedom in India. With a voice in governance, they could advocate for policies that protect journalists and uphold the principles of free and fair media.

10. Integration of Investigative Reporting in Anti-Corruption Units: Journalists with investigative experience could be valuable assets in anti-corruption units, helping track illegal activities and providing insights into money trails, illegal lobbying, and abuse of power.