Al Jazeera Journalism Review

Challenging the Narrative: Jeremy Scahill on the Need for Adversarial Journalism

 

Investigative journalist Jeremy Scahill calls for a revival of "adversarial journalism" to reinstate crucial professional and humanitarian values in mainstream Western media, especially regarding the coverage of the Gaza genocide.

 

On the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, the U.S. Mission to the UN issued a statement expressing concern over the rising number of journalists killed globally for doing their work. The statement reads: “far too many journalists worldwide are targeted for their reporting”, yet it makes no mention of the largest massacre of journalists in the profession’s history, which occured in the Gaza Strip, where approximately 183 journalists and media workers were killed, according to the latest data from the Gaza government media office.

For American investigative journalist Jeremy Scahill, this pattern of concealing crimes is consistent with a longstanding history of violations by the U.S. forces, resulting in the killing of dozens of journalists around the world over the past decades, making the United States one of the leading countries with impunity for crimes against journalists. In Iraq, the United States killed at least 16 journalists and media workers, including Al Jazeera’s Tareq Ayyoub, who was killed in a U.S. bombing of the network's office in Baghdad. The world also vividly remembers the leaked video from 2007, when the U.S. military killed 12 civilians in Baghdad, including two Reuters news staff.

In an interview on Al Jazeera’s "Center Stage" Scahill states that Israeli crimes, including those committed against journalists, cannot be viewed in isolation from the enabling and morally complicit role of the United States. He argues that this complicity is rooted in a similar history of American crimes committed with impunity- an impunity that, according to Scahill, extends by proxy to Israel.

In an interview on Al Jazeera’s "Center Stage" Scahill states that Israeli crimes, including those committed against journalists, cannot be viewed in isolation from the enabling and morally complicit role of the United States. He argues that this complicity is rooted in a similar history of American crimes committed with impunity- an impunity that, according to Scahill, extends by proxy to Israel.

 

Scahill further argues that this moral alignment with the ongoing war on the Gaza Strip is evident in the stance taken by mainstream media outlets, which closely mirrors the position and rhetoric of the U.S. government. This stance, he contends, involves the complete erasure of 76 years of Israeli occupation and violence against Palestinians prior to October 7. According to Scahill, the co-founder of “Drop Site News”, this represents a form of "dishonesty that permeates the entire American media discourse” about the war in Gaza, where a completely inverted narrative is adopted, in which Israel is the victim, even though it is actually the one that killed more than 42,000 Palestinians, a huge proportion of whom were women, children, and the elderly.

Scahill is one of the few Western journalists who have actively sought to understand, present, and analyze the Palestinian narrative, including talking to leaders and members of Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and other groups, to grasp their views on both the October 7th attack and the subsequent war that led to Gaza’s near total destruction. According to Scahill, arranging meetings with officials in Palestinian resistance movements, including Hamas, is not necessarily difficult; he notes that they are often open to addressing the most sensitive questions related to the conflict.

Scahill believes that part of the bias in mainstream Western media lies not only in its failure to give space to the Palestinian narrative but also in its vilification of journalists who attempt to present it.

 

Scahill believes that part of the bias in mainstream Western media lies not only in its failure to give space to the Palestinian narrative but also in its vilification of journalists who attempt to present it. Both he and others have faced widespread smear campaigns backed by Israeli pressure groups, accusing them of engaging with the "enemy" and "terrorists." According to Scahill, this marks a completely new phenomenon, “where all of a sudden speaking to the quote unquote enemy makes you the enemy too as a journalist”. This accusation arises within the broader context of the comprehensive war on Palestinians and the decades-long war on truth within Western media.

Nevertheless, Scahill defends the necessity of speaking with Palestinians and officials from resistance movements, emphasizing that there is a journalistic tradition of listening to all sides in any issue. He argues that this approach is essential to uphold professional and responsible journalism, which ensures the pursuit of truth and accountability for those in power.

In this context, Scahill mentions that he spoke with offcials from the Palestinian resistance, including Mohammad al-Hindi, Deputy Secretary-General of Islamic Jihad, who noted that no Western journalist has attempted to speak with him or present his movement’s perspective since the early 1980s. Scahill emphasizes that engaging with these perspectives does not imply automatic agreement or endorsement. He also recalls that, after conducting such in-depth interviews with leaders from Palestinian armed groups, colleagues from major U.S. newspapers would tell him that the organizations they work for have "very strict rules" on how a journalist is allowed to quote Hamas, even within standard reports, in order to maintain a certain operative framework that is always in favor of the Israeli narrative.

 

Adversarial Journalism

In the interview, Scahill advocated for what he calls "adversarial journalism," which is a form of journalism that returns to its foundational values, primarily by holding power to account, scrutinizing its narratives, restoring trust in objective facts, and rigorously verifying information. Scahill believes that true journalism is grounded in resisting any monopolies of public information and protecting the right to knowledge and critical thinking.

Given the failure of mainstream media to present the truth in a balanced way, Scahill argues that journalists today, must go beyond the "trust but verify" approach when addressing narratives from any authority. Instead, they should adopt an initial principle of "mistrust" toward the views and statements of the powerful, and “dig through what the facts are”.

Scahill advocated for what he calls "adversarial journalism," which is a form of journalism that returns to its foundational values, primarily by holding power to account, scrutinizing its narratives, restoring trust in objective facts, and rigorously verifying information.

 

Scahill, author of "Dirty Wars," concludes his interview by highlighting the example of Julian Assange, who faced a widespread smear campaign from both official and Western journalistic circles after exposing a wealth of sensitive information, including U.S war crimes in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the U.S. administration's use of soft power to strengthen its global dominance. According to Scahill, Assange’s work disrupted the cozy relationship between media, power, and capital, serving as a powerful reminder of the need for journalism in democratic societies to maintain a critical balance with such forces, in the pursuit of truth and the public good.

 

 

 

Related Articles

The Palestinian struggle to be seen in the media

Does the global media treat Palestinian lives as inherently less valuable?

A picture of the author, Abeer alNajjar
Abeer Al-Najjar Published on: 30 May, 2021
Why Journalists are Speaking out Against Western Media Bias in Reporting on Israel-Palestine

Over 1500 journalists from various US news organizations have signed an open letter criticizing the Western media's coverage of Israel's actions against Palestinians. They accuse newsrooms of dehumanizing rhetoric, bias, and the use of inflammatory language that reinforces stereotypes, lack of context, misinformation, biased language, and the focus on certain perspectives while diminishing others. They call for more accurate and critical coverage, the use of well-defined terms like "apartheid" and "ethnic cleansing," and the inclusion of Palestinian voices in reporting.

Belle de Jong journalist
Belle de Jong Published on: 26 Feb, 2024
How to Bring more Balance to Western Media Coverage of Israel and Palestine

How can journalists accurately cover Palestine without becoming unbalanced or biased? Here are some concrete tools and techniques for reporters to keep in mind.

A picture of the author, Megan O'Toole
Megan O'Toole Published on: 16 Sep, 2024

More Articles

Fact or Fiction? Quantifying the 'Truth' in True-Crime Podcasts

Over the centuries, true crime narratives have migrated across mediums—from tabloids and books to documentaries, films, and, most recently, podcasts. Despite these evolutions, one constant endures: the storytellers’ drive to detail the darkest corners of human behaviour and the insatiable curiosity of their audiences.

Suvrat Arora
Suvrat Arora Published on: 28 Nov, 2024
Why Are Journalists Being Silenced in Kashmir?

Since the revocation of Article 370 in 2019, press freedom in Indian-administered Kashmir has sharply declined, with local journalists facing harassment, surveillance, and charges under anti-terror laws, while foreign correspondents are denied access or deported for critical reporting. These measures, aimed at controlling the region’s narrative and projecting normalcy, have drawn widespread criticism from international watchdogs, who warn of increasing suppression of both domestic and foreign media.

headshot
AJR Correspondent Published on: 27 Nov, 2024
Gender Inequity in Sports Reporting: Female Journalists Demand Equality

Gender inequality persists in sports journalism, with female reporters significantly under-represented, as shown by studies revealing that only 5.1% of sports articles are written by women. Advocates call for equal representation, more inclusive hiring practices, and a broader focus on women's sports to challenge stereotypes, improve coverage, and give women a stronger voice in shaping sports narratives.

Akem
Akem Nkwain Published on: 18 Nov, 2024
Monitoring of Journalistic Malpractices in Gaza Coverage

On this page, the editorial team of the Al Jazeera Journalism Review will collect news published by media institutions about the current war on Gaza that involves disinformation, bias, or professional journalistic standards and its code of ethics.

A picture of the Al Jazeera Media Institute's logo, on a white background.
Al Jazeera Journalism Review Published on: 23 Oct, 2024
A Year of Genocide and Bias: Western Media's Whitewashing of Israel's Ongoing War on Gaza

Major Western media outlets continue to prove that they are a party in the war of narratives, siding with the Israeli occupation. The article explains how these major Western media outlets are still refining their techniques of bias in favor of the occupation, even a year after the genocide in Palestine.

Mohammad Zeidan
Mohammad Zeidan Published on: 9 Oct, 2024
Testimonies of the First Witness of the Sabra & Shatila Massacre

The Sabra and Shatila massacre in 1982 saw over 3,000 unarmed Palestinian refugees brutally killed by Phalangist militias under the facilitation of Israeli forces. As the first journalist to enter the camps, Japanese journalist Ryuichi Hirokawa provides a harrowing first-hand account of the atrocity amid a media blackout. His testimony highlights the power of bearing witness to a war crime and contrasts the past Israeli public outcry with today’s silence over the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

Mei Shigenobu مي شيغينوبو
Mei Shigenobu Published on: 18 Sep, 2024
Journalist Mothers in Gaza: Living the Ordeal Twice

Being a journalist, particularly a female journalist covering the genocide in Palestine without any form of protection, makes practicing journalism nearly impossible. When the journalist is also a mother haunted by the fear of losing her children, working in the field becomes an immense sacrifice.

Amani Shninu
Amani Shninu Published on: 15 Sep, 2024
Anonymous Sources in the New York Times... Covering the War with One Eye

The use of anonymous sources in journalism is considered, within professional and ethical standards, a “last option” for journalists. However, analysis of New York Times data reveals a persistent pattern in the use of “anonymity” to support specific narratives, especially Israeli narratives.

Mohammad Zeidan
Mohammad Zeidan Published on: 8 Sep, 2024
Cameroonian Journalists at the Center of Fighting Illegal Fishing

While the EU’s red card to Cameroon has undeniably tarnished its image, it has paradoxically unlocked the potential of Cameroonian journalists and ignited a movement poised to reshape the future. Through this shared struggle, journalists, scientists, conservationists, storytellers, and government officials have united, paving the way for a new era of ocean advocacy.

Shuimo Trust Dohyee
Shuimo Trust Dohyee Published on: 21 Aug, 2024
The Gaza Journalist and the "Heart and Mind" Struggle

Inside the heart of a Palestinian journalist living in Gaza, there are two personas: one is a human who wants to protect his own life and that of his family, and the other is a journalist committed to safeguarding the lives of the people by holding on to the truth and staying in the field. Between these two extremes, or what journalist Maram Hamid describes as the struggle between the heart and the mind, the Palestinian journalist continues to share a narrative that the occupation intended to keep "away from the camera."

Maram
Maram Humaid Published on: 18 Aug, 2024
Journalists Recount the Final Moments of Ismail Al-Ghoul

Journalists remembering the slain reporter of Al Jazeera in Northern Gaza, Ismail Al Ghoul. "He insisted on continuing his coverage from the northern part of the Gaza Strip, despite the challenges and obstacles he faced. He was arrested and interrogated by the Israeli army, his brother was killed in an Israeli airstrike, and his father passed away during treatment abroad."

Mohammad Abu Don
Mohammad Abu Don Published on: 11 Aug, 2024
Analysis: Media Disinformation and UK Far-Right Riots

Analysis on the impact of media disinformation on public opinion, particularly during UK riots incited by far-right groups. A look at how sensationalist media can directly influence audience behavior, as per the Hypodermic Needle Theory, leading to normalized discrimination and violence. The need for responsible journalism is emphasized to prevent such harmful effects.

Anam Hussain
Anam Hussain Published on: 8 Aug, 2024
Challenges for Female Journalists in Crisis Zones of Cameroon

Testimonies of what female journalists in Cameroon are facing and how they are challenging these difficulties.

Akem
Akem Nkwain Published on: 30 Jul, 2024
From TV Screens to YouTube: The Rise of Exiled Journalists in Pakistan

Pakistani journalists are leveraging YouTube to overcome censorship, connecting with global audiences, and redefining independent reporting in their homeland.

Anam Hussain
Anam Hussain Published on: 28 Jul, 2024
Daughters of Data: African Female Journalists Using Data to Reveal Hidden Truths

A growing network of African women journalists, data scientists, and tech experts is amplifying female voices and highlighting underreported stories across the continent by producing data-driven projects and leveraging digital technologies in storytelling.

Nalova Akua
Nalova Akua Published on: 23 Jul, 2024
Are Podcasts the Future of African Broadcasting?

The surge of podcasts across Africa is a burgeoning trend, encompassing a wide array of themes and subjects, and swiftly expanding across various nations.

Derick Matsengarwodzi
Derick Matsengarwodzi Published on: 11 Jul, 2024
Video Volunteers: How India’s Marginalised Groups Tell Their Own Stories

Video creators like Rohini Pawar and Shabnam Begum have transcended societal challenges by producing influential videos with Video Volunteers, highlighting social issues within marginalized communities. Their work exemplifies the transformative power of storytelling in fostering grassroots change and empowerment across India.

Hanan Zaffa
Hanan Zaffar, Jyoti Thakur Published on: 3 Jul, 2024
Climate Journalism in Vietnam's Censored Landscape

In Vietnam, climate journalists face challenges due to censorship and restrictions on press freedom, making it difficult to report environmental issues accurately. Despite these obstacles, there are still journalists working to cover climate stories creatively and effectively, highlighting the importance of climate journalism in addressing environmental concerns.

AJR Contributor Published on: 26 Jun, 2024
Challenges of Investigating Subculture Stories in Japan as a Foreign Correspondent

Japan's vibrant subcultures and feminist activists challenge the reductive narratives often portrayed in Western media. To understand this dynamic society authentically, journalists must approach their reporting with patience, commitment, and empathy, shedding preconceptions and engaging deeply with the nuances of Japanese culture.

Johann Fleuri
Johann Fleuri Published on: 24 Jun, 2024
Covering the War on Gaza: As a Journalist, Mother, and Displaced Person

What takes precedence: feeding a hungry child or providing professional coverage of a genocidal war? Journalist Marah Al Wadiya shares her story of balancing motherhood, displacement, psychological turmoil, and the relentless struggle to find safety in an unsafe region.

Marah Al Wadiya
Marah Al Wadiya Published on: 29 May, 2024
Fighting Misinformation and Disinformation to Foster Social Governance in Africa

Experts in Africa are using various digital media tools to raise awareness and combat the increasing usage of misinformation and disinformation to manipulate social governance.

Derick Matsengarwodzi
Derick Matsengarwodzi Published on: 22 May, 2024
"I Am Still Alive!": The Resilient Voices of Gaza's Journalists

The Israeli occupation has escalated from targeting journalists to intimidating and killing their families. Hisham Zaqqout, Al Jazeera's correspondent in Gaza talks about his experience covering the war and the delicate balance between family obligations and professional duty.

Hisham Zakkout Published on: 15 May, 2024
Under Fire: The Perilous Reality for Journalists in Gaza's War Zone

Journalists lack safety equipment and legal protection, highlighting the challenges faced by journalists in Gaza. While Israel denies responsibility for targeting journalists, the lack of international intervention leaves journalists in Gaza exposed to daily danger.

Linda Shalash
Linda Shalash Published on: 9 May, 2024
Elections and Misinformation – India Case Study

Realities are hidden behind memes and political satire in the battle for truth in the digital age. Explore how misinformation is influencing political decisions and impacting first-time voters, especially in India's 2024 elections, and how journalists fact-check and address fake news, revealing the true impact of misinformation and AI-generated content.

Safina
Safina Nabi Published on: 30 Apr, 2024