The new KAS manual is accessible online and in print.
The Global Media Programme of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, a German political foundation, launched a new version of its Investigative Journalism Manual on Saturday.
The IJM is designed to equip journalists with core investigative reporting skills and to support watchdog journalism in difficult environments.
“The results of their work will strengthen existing democratic institutions or serve as a catalyst to establish democratic structures where there are none,” said Torben Stephan, Director of the KAS Media Programme Asia.
The manual is an update to the guide published by KAS Media Programme Africa
seven years ago, which was accessed by some 30,000 visitors annually. “The great success of the first version was the reason for KAS to revise and internationalize the chapters,” Stephan said.
“As a self-learning tool, the manual has been providing important skills for investigative journalists on the African continent. This is a success story we want to continue across the entire world,” said Christian Echle, Director of KAS Media Africa.
Investigative journalists in Africa and Asia often operate in extremely challenging environments, and some are designed specifically to thwart them. The manual is intended to help reporters facing such challenges as repressive media laws, so-called anti-terrorism regulations, the culture of non-transparency and limited resources.
The IJM is also a hands-on training tool, allowing readers to test their knowledge with quizzes at the end of each chapter. Relevant case studies, which will be updated continuously, are also provided.
The website was unveiled at the investigative journalism conference “Uncovering Asia” held in Kathmandu Sep. 23-25, which KAS co-hosted with Global Investigative Journalism Network and Centre for Investigative Journalism, Nepal.
