Reporting on Corruption: A Resource Tool for Governments and Journalists
Vienna: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) (2013), 117 pp.
"This Tool is not a true how-to manual, although it offers detailed suggestions from leading journalists on innovative ways to use a vast and growing trove of public records and independent media networks. The flood of information in today’s inter-connected world creates an opportunity for journalists focused on corruption, and this document provides advice for extracting that information and explaining what it means to the public. It also places great emphasis on the need for ethics, accountability and accuracy that distinguish professional investigative reporting from an increasing number of online and social media sites that often publish information without the depth and context such efforts require. Most of the measures outlined have been long practiced and taught by respected journalists and academics. This document also takes a step further, introducing innovative suggestions, such as standardizing computer records across nations, enlisting lawyers to work pro-bono with journalists, and increasing the use of cross-border journalism networks and evidence-based activism." (Page 8)
I. INTRODUCTION, 5
II. INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM, 10
III. RESPECTING, PROMOTING AND PROTECTING THE FREEDOM OF JOURNALISTS TO REPORT ON ACTS OF CORRUPTION, 20
A. Article 13 (1) (d) of UNCAC and international human rights instruments, 21
B. Measures to protect the anonymity of sources, 23
C. The right of access to information, 32
IV. GROUNDS FOR RESTRICTIONS ON THE FREEDOM OF JOURNALISTS TO SEEK INFORMATION AND REPORT ON ACTS OF CORRUPTION, 47
A. Freedom of expression as the main principle, 47
B. Rights and reputations of others, 50
C. National security, ordre public, public health or morals, 62
D. Licensing and pre-censoring of media, 67
V. INTEGRITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY, 73
A. Why ethical reporting is important, 76
B. Creating an ethical environment through self-regulation, 78
VI. INDEPENDENT MEDIA CENTRES AND CROSS-BORDER NETWORKS, 84
A. Differentiation between centres and networks, 86
B. Advantages and challenges of independent centres and networks, 89
VII. PROTECTING JOURNALISTIC INDEPENDENCE, 94
A. Physical safety of journalists, 96
B. Legal and financial obstacles, 98
VIII. Using data and public information to write and report on corruption, 102
ANNEX 1. The Investigative Project, 109
ANNEX 2. Articles on freedom of expression in most relevant international Conventions, 114
II. INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM, 10
III. RESPECTING, PROMOTING AND PROTECTING THE FREEDOM OF JOURNALISTS TO REPORT ON ACTS OF CORRUPTION, 20
A. Article 13 (1) (d) of UNCAC and international human rights instruments, 21
B. Measures to protect the anonymity of sources, 23
C. The right of access to information, 32
IV. GROUNDS FOR RESTRICTIONS ON THE FREEDOM OF JOURNALISTS TO SEEK INFORMATION AND REPORT ON ACTS OF CORRUPTION, 47
A. Freedom of expression as the main principle, 47
B. Rights and reputations of others, 50
C. National security, ordre public, public health or morals, 62
D. Licensing and pre-censoring of media, 67
V. INTEGRITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY, 73
A. Why ethical reporting is important, 76
B. Creating an ethical environment through self-regulation, 78
VI. INDEPENDENT MEDIA CENTRES AND CROSS-BORDER NETWORKS, 84
A. Differentiation between centres and networks, 86
B. Advantages and challenges of independent centres and networks, 89
VII. PROTECTING JOURNALISTIC INDEPENDENCE, 94
A. Physical safety of journalists, 96
B. Legal and financial obstacles, 98
VIII. Using data and public information to write and report on corruption, 102
ANNEX 1. The Investigative Project, 109
ANNEX 2. Articles on freedom of expression in most relevant international Conventions, 114
