Analysis of Walta Tv’s “Netsa Hasab” Program From the Perspective of Investigative Journalism Principles
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2021-02
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AAU
Abstract
This research was conducted for the purpose of analysing the practice of investigative journalism in Walta TV's ‟Netsa Hasab” program from the perspective of investigative journalism principles and identifying major challenges journalists faced. To conduct this study, the researcher employed a descriptive analytical method of data collection through a qualitative approach. In-depth interview was used to collect data from 20 informants comprising of managers, senior editors, producers, reporters and media experts who were purposefully selected for the study. Accordingly, five Walta's TV ‟Netsa Hasab”programs were purposefully selected for the study. The analysis of the data was applied by thematic analysis method, based on objectives and questions of the study. To conceptualize the subject matter, Scholarly articles related to purpose, importance and role of investigative journalism, as well as its techniques were discussed. Social responsibility theory of press, Gatekeeping theory and Principles of investigative journalism were used as theoretical framework. The finding of the study was indicated that there is absence of a clear-cut and independent guideline for investigative programs. Stories covered by "Netsa Hasab" programs are not well researched and analysed before presentation. There are also lack of organized team, lack of skilled man power, lack of sufficient training and limited resource to conduct investigative programs. Although, political interference by media managers and chief editorials. According to the research finding, there is only an attempt to practice investigative reporting in Walta Television. Therefore as analysed by the researcher, even though there is a good start exercising profession of investigative journalism by ‟Netsa Hasab” but it is at an infant stage, contrasting the socio-economic and political problems of the society to be investigated more. Moreover, Investigative programs of Walta's TV ‟Netsa Hasab” program are mainly focused on issues of politics, social and good governance. But the program lacks giving coverage on issues of land grabbing, serious corruption, smuggling, human trafficking, money laundry, mal- administration, failure of system and others. In addition, on the focused area of their coverage, Walta's TV ‟Netsa Hasab” programs are mainly focused on governmental organizations. But the program lacks giving coverage on private companies, non-governmental organizations and individuals (criminals). It was recommended that Walta's TV ‟Netsa Hasab” program should prepare a clear-cut and standard investigative journalism guideline. In addition Walta TV should give attention on those factors like lack of resource (budget, transport & salary), lack of organized professional team, insufficient training of the investigative program producers, editors, reporters and media experts and inappropriate interference of managers and chief editors.
Description
Keywords
journalism principles and identifying major challenges journalists faced