Prerequisites

• Practical experience in media and TV production.

Course Description

Investigative programs play a critical role in exposing hidden truths and holding power to account. This course provides participants with the essential tools and techniques to research, plan, and produce impactful investigative content. Through practical guidance and ethical frameworks, trainees will learn how to uncover complex stories, verify facts, and present them in a compelling and responsible manner.

Course Objective

By the end of this course, participants will:
• Identify the core principles of investigative journalism.
• Apply effective research and verification techniques.
• Plan and produce investigative program episodes with a clear narrative structure.
• Navigate the legal and ethical considerations of investigative reporting.

Course Outline

• Introduction to investigative journalism:
- Definition of investigative journalism.
- Importance of investigative journalism.
- History of investigative journalism.
- Difference between investigative journalism and other news coverage.

• Develop ideas for investigative programs:
- Sources of investigative program ideas and how to develop them.
- How to conduct research.
- Elements of good research.
- Hypothesis formulation.

• Plan the program episode:
- Planning and the methodology for investigative programs.
- Treatment; its importance, elements, and how to write it.
- Documenting evidence in investigative programs.

• Execute investigative programs:
- Sources in investigative programs; digital, physical, and human sources.
- Interviews in investigative programs; with victims, experts, and officials and decision-makers.
- Confrontation in investigative programs.

• Legal and ethical considerations:
- Quality control in investigative programs.
- Handle legal aspects in investigative programs.
- Ethical aspects in investigative programs.

Course Benefits

• A graduation certificate by Al Jazeera Media Institute.