Vincent Gunde 
By Suleman Chitera
BLANTYRE: Journalists have been urged to move beyond conventional reporting and strengthen their watchdog role by investigating issues that directly affect communities and the wider public.
Platform for Investigative Journalism (PIJ) Director Gregory Gondwe made the call in Blantyre on Thursday after a day-long investigative journalism training organised by PIJ with support from Hivos.
Gondwe said journalists should develop a strong “nose for news” by paying closer attention to problems within their communities and investigating matters that may otherwise go unnoticed.
He observed that some journalists lack adequate knowledge and practical skills to dig deeper into issues affecting people around them, making investigative journalism training important in strengthening the media’s contribution to society.
“Investigative journalism is not just about revealing secrets about ministers or the President. It is about speaking out on what is not done right and what is affecting people the most. Journalists need to speak on behalf of the fourth estate, which is the people,” Gondwe said.
He challenged journalists to use their profession to expose shortcomings, demand accountability and bring important public-interest issues to the attention of authorities and citizens.
According to Gondwe, investigative reporting should ultimately contribute to good governance, accountability and national development, rather than focusing solely on high-profile political figures.
He encouraged reporters to look beyond press conferences and official statements and instead ask questions about how policies, public resources and government programmes are affecting ordinary people.
Meanwhile, one of the training participants, Nyuma Chokhotho, commended PIJ for organising the programme, describing it as an eye-opener that had helped participants acquire new knowledge and practical skills in investigative journalism.
Chokhotho said the training had provided participants with a better understanding of how journalists can approach stories more critically and pursue issues that matter to communities.
The training forms part of efforts to strengthen investigative journalism skills among Malawian journalists and encourage more public-interest reporting across the country.
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