US embassy cable - 02ABUJA2321

UNCLAS ABUJA 002321 
 
SIPDIS 
 
 
STATE FOR AF/PD (SKOP), IIP/G/AF (BOCHNER, HOWARD) 
LAGOS FOR PAS 
 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KPAO, SCUL, OIIP, PTER, NI 
SUBJECT: U.S. SPEAKER ANA ARANA: WORKSHOP BRINGS TO 
LIFE STRATEGIES FOR INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM 
 
 
1.  SUMMARY: A dozen journalists drawn from 
independent and government-owned print and 
electronic media in Abuja participated in a two-and- 
a-half-day workshop on investigative journalism, 
July 15-17.  Ana Arana, consultant for Inter- 
American Press Association, used story ideas 
suggested by the journalists and a simulated press 
conference with a government official to lead 
participants through a systematic process of 
applying investigative journalism techniques. 
Participants said at the end of the workshop that 
they would put their newly acquired skills into 
practice. End Summary. 
 
 
2.  DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITY: The workshop started 
with a simple identification exercise where each 
participant was asked to say why he/she became a 
journalist.  From their responses Arana gave the 
first lesson of the workshop: "Journalism is a 
passion, not just a job."  This was followed by an 
exercise on news values, and a mock press conference 
with the chairman of the Nigerian Senate Aviation 
Committee that probed his views on aviation safety 
in Nigeria.  Afterward, Arana critiqued the skills 
of the participants in asking questions and 
identifying leads from the responses. 
 
 
The second day witnessed more intense discussions as 
Arana took the class through the process of 
organizing various story ideas, including aviation 
safety, elections and religious violence. 
Throughout, Arana emphasized that writing 
investigative reports is a process that needs 
organization, careful thinking and questioning.  The 
program included tips on investigative techniques, 
cultivating sources and principles of good 
reporting.  The workshop concluded with a video clip 
and discussion on journalistic ethics--a crucial 
issue in Nigeria.  Most participants admitted that 
they or their colleagues had received "brown 
envelopes" in return for favorable coverage. 
 
 
3.  JUSTIFICATION AND OBJECTIVE: Nigeria may have 
the most vibrant press in Africa, a press that 
endured decades of military dictatorships and helped 
to pave the way for the transition to democracy. 
Since then, the press has shown a robust willingness 
to criticize government policies, personalities and 
programs. But reporting is short on accuracy and 
long on sensationalism.  Journalists lack 
investigative skills and a clear understanding of 
the role of the press in ensuring responsible 
governance.  The workshop was intended to provide 
skills and attitudes that will help the press 
fulfill its role. 
 
 
4. MPP UMBRELLA THEME AND AUDIENCE REACHED: 
Strengthening of democracy.  Audience was a targeted 
group of twelve journalists drawn from independent 
and government-owned print and electronic media in 
Abuja. 
 
 
5. USG SUPPORT: Excellent. 
 
 
6. RESULT/IMPACT: Very good. Arana was effective in 
communicating to participants that doing 
investigative reporting is a process that needs 
careful organization and specific skills which she 
illustrated through exercises.  Her interactive 
approach involved and energized the participants, 
who left with a greater appreciation of the 
importance of investigative reporting in ensuring 
good governance.  Some said they would take up the 
issue of aviation safety and we are waiting to see 
how they will tackle this and other key issues 
facing Nigeria. 
JETER