Story-Based Inquiry

UNESCO has constantly fostered debate on media accountability and professional and ethical standards, which provide journalists with guiding principles on how to best exercise their profession.

Investigative journalism means the unveiling of matters that are concealed either deliberately by someone in a position of power, or accidentally, behind a chaotic mass of facts and circumstances – and the analysis and exposure of all relevant facts to the public.

In this way investigative journalism crucially contributes to freedom of expression and freedom of information, which are at the heart of UNESCO’s mandate.

The role media can play as a watchdog is indispensable for democracy and it is for this reason that UNESCO fully supports initiatives to strengthen investigative journalism throughout the world.

This publication makes a significant contribution to promoting investigative journalism and will be a valuable resource for journalists and media professionals, as well as for journalism trainers and educators.