Forum on investigative journalism

Forum: Investigative journalism
May 7, 2009

The most recent public forum featured two high profile journalists, Chris Masters and Sean Dorney, speaking on how journalists get the story despite government obstruction, spin and threats to sources. Co-sponsored by Bond University, the forum on investigative journalism was held at Bond University on May 7. There were two addresses:

Chris Masters spoke about Investigating investigative journalism. The former Four Corners' reporter, whose reports exposed corruption in Queensland and NSW, examined key components of his craft: research, narrative, sources and spin. He also looked at the obstacles placed in front of investigative journalists in Australia, especially the pervasive use of "spin" and threats to journalists' sources.

Sean Dorney spoke on Reporting from the Pacific. The ABC's Pacific correspondent looked at the more immediate physical threats that can arise in reporting on corruption in Pacific Islands governments, and on the current situation in Fiji that led to his recent expulsion.

Additionally, Bob Howarth, former Managing Director of PNG's Post-Courier and former Editorial Technology Manager at Queensland Newspapers, now teaching journalism research methods part-time at Bond, and Professor Mark Pearson, Head of Journalism at Bond University, commented on the papers, and in particular on the impact of "spin" in contemporary Queensland.

The forum also included a question and discussion time.

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