Human Rights Journalism

Detailing the painstaking work of investigative journalists and offering case studies as examples, the “Investigative Journalism That Inspired Change” series is both educational and eye-opening. Each of the four titles has some overlapping information: a definition of investigative journalism and the differences between investigative journalism and conventional journalism; the qualities of an investigative journalist; the 5 Ws of news reporting and the process involved in following a story; sources of information and the need to protect sources; the investigative journalist’s code of ethics; the use of scientific evidence and data analysis involved in an investigation; determining the best medium to share findings; and the importance of investigative journalism to report abuse of power, unsolved crimes and general wrongdoing. Some of the work of investigative journalists can have a global impact and drive changes in policy. Three case studies are provided in each title, and what is most impressive about them is the tenacity and perseverance of the journalists whose thorough investigations have often taken years. Many of the investigative journalists featured have won awards for their work which has been presented in books, documentaries and newspaper and magazine articles, to name a few. Text boxes provide quotes as well as additional information, while colour photographs, charts and graphs reinforce the text. A table of contents, a glossary, an index, and a list of books and websites for further study are included

Human Rights Journalism covers “seafood slavery’ in Burma, exposing the workers’ job conditions – little pay, 20-22 hour shifts, unclean drinking water, beatings, whippings, and being locked in cages. In order to expose this story, the investigative journalists were often in danger themselves as they probed corruption in the seafood industry. The second story in this title discusses black lung disease in West Virginian and Maryland miners. It was discovered that mining companies hired lawyers and doctors to hide evidence in order to deny the workers benefits to which they were entitled. This resulted in legal battles that dragged on for years, and, because of one doctor’s opinion, more than 800 miners lost their cases. Fair trade products are highlighted in the third case study. Some coffee plantations in Mexico were found to have horrendous working conditions with children under the legal working age of 15 hefting huge 45 kg sacks of coffee beans. There was also a lack of inspections to ensure that the product met Fair Trade standards. This story, perhaps, will disillusion older, more astute readers whose parents make a point of purchasing Free Trade products.

The stories in the “Investigative Journalism That Inspired Change” series are powerful, thought-provoking and illuminating, emphasizing the important role that investigative journalists play in bringing important issues to light.