GIJC25 Academic Papers
The Global Investigative Journalism Network is delighted to share the complete selection of 14 research papers for the 2025 Global Investigative Journalism Conference.
At every global conference, we ask academics to contribute their knowledge and research to foster discussion within the community.
Below you’ll find the title of each paper, along with its author and its abstract that were selected for in November 2025, for GIJC25 that took place in Kuala Lumpur, in Malaysia.
Out-of-Classroom Learning for Investigative Journalism: Lessons from Sri Lankan Universities
by Ahallya David, Visiting Lecturer, Sri Lanka; B. M. Fairooz , Chief Editor, Vidiwelli, Express Newspaper Limited; M. Ramees, Independent citizen voices, Sri Lanka; and M. Ishaq, independent citizen voices, Sri Lanka
Investigative Journalism (IJ) plays a critical role in democratic societies by exposing injustice, holding power to account, and promoting transparency. However, IJ remains marginal in the curricula of most state universities in Sri Lanka. A significant number of institutions lack structured training or faculty with real-world IJ experience. In response to this gap, a few universities have begun adopting innovative teaching models by collaborating with experienced journalists from the field. Rather than relying on traditional lecture-based methods, these institutions deliver IJ education through interactive workshops rooted in adult learning principles.
This study examines how these unconventional, workshop-based approaches influence students’ understanding, motivation, and engagement with IJ. Drawing from qualitative data gathered from two batches of media students, including 30 participants, five focus group sessions (FGS), and reviews of student-produced investigative stories, the study analyzes the impact of experiential learning. These workshops provide students with personalized mentorship, opportunities for reflection, peer discussion, and real-world story development based on issues in their own communities.
Findings show that such approaches help students distinguish IJ from other forms of journalism, while also fostering critical thinking, ethical awareness, and a deeper connection to civic responsibility. Students reported feeling more confident and inspired to pursue investigative storytelling after participating in these workshops, despite the challenges of limited resources and institutional constraints. On a broader level, this research offers valuable insights into rethinking journalism education in Sri Lanka and similar global contexts. It suggests that out-of-classroom, mentorship-driven, and community-based pedagogies can serve as effective models for cultivating investigative journalism skills. These approaches not only enrich academic learning but also contribute to the development of a new generation of journalists who are both critically engaged and socially aware.
Arab’s Involvement in Investigative Journalism: Assessing Participation and Willingness
by Dr. Ahmed Makharesh, Department of Communication Studies, Media and Journalism, Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, US; Dr. Brent Hale, College of Media and Communication, University of Southern Mississippi, US; Dr. Laura Stengrim, Department of Communication and Founding Director of the Speakers Workshop at the University of Illinois, US; Dr. Manasar Alharethi, College of Arts and Humanities, Taibah University, Saudi Arabia; and Dr. Amer Khaled Ahmad, Faculty of Media, Zarqa University, Jordan
Citizens ‘contributions to journalism have enabled various advantages to journalistic
work, particularly investigative reporting, such as revealing information that might not otherwise be available on state-influenced media. To elucidate citizens ‘contributions to investigative journalism, the current study measured Arab citizens; understanding of citizen investigative reporting and their willingness to engage in the investigative reporting industry.
A quantitative survey of 421 Arab citizens recruited across the four regions of the Arab world (i.e., Eastern Africa, Northern Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Fertile Crescent) was conducted. The findings of this study indicate that while Arabs aged 34 – 41 years old have a stronger understanding of investigative reporting than other age groups, demographic variables (age, gender, level of education, and region) did not affect their willingness to participate in investigative reporting. Further, these findings suggest that three factors (risk avoidance, check to power, and hardcore) determine the work environment where Arab citizens might practice reporting.
Moreover, this study’s findings emphasize that Arab citizens’; understanding of investigative reporting significantly predicts their willingness to engage in the investigative reporting industry and that willingness to participate in investigative reporting correlates with their belief that it will increase the quality of Arab journalism. Consequently, Arab citizens’ predicted understanding of investigative reporting was significantly correlated to their willingness to be involved in the investigative reporting industry.
Keywords: citizen journalism, investigative reporting, Arab world, journalistic quality, survey
Reinventing Investigative Journalism: Leveraging AI, NLP and Machine Learning
by Ayush Krishna Tripathi, New Delhi, India
This paper explores the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Natural Language Processing (NLP), and Machine Learning (ML) in redefining investigative journalism. It examines how these advanced computational tools enhance traditional journalistic practices, enabling unprecedented efficiency and depth in data collection, analysis, and pattern recognition.
The report delves into specific applications, such as automated document screening, anomaly detection in financial data, and sophisticated network analysis, illustrating their utility through prominent case studies like the Panama Papers and investigations into mass surveillance. Concurrently, the paper critically assesses the significant ethical challenges arising from AI integration, including algorithmic bias, transparency deficits, privacy concerns, and the proliferation of misinformation.
It argues that while these technologies offer a powerful augmentation to human journalistic capabilities, their responsible adoption necessitates robust ethical frameworks, continuous professional training, and a steadfast commitment to human oversight. The discussion concludes with actionable recommendations for news organizations to harness AI’s power while upholding core journalistic values and ensuring public trust.
Immersion and “Accelerated” Learning in Investigative Journalism Training
by David Leloup, Department of Media, Culture and Communication, University of Liège, Belgium
This article analyzes a pedagogical immersion experiment conducted within a university newsroom, based on a small-scale version of the teaching hospital model, adapted to the European context. Three groups of Master’s students were confronted with real investigative situations, marked by high emotional, cognitive, and ethical intensity. Drawing on nine semi-structured interviews carried out 6 to 18 months after the immersion, the study identifies the conditions under which these experiences generated accelerated learning—rapid assimilation of knowledge, skills, and professional attitudes—as well as “learning leaps,” that is, qualitative transformations affecting epistemic, ethical, or identity-related postures.
The findings highlight a recurring sequence: a destabilizing event (manipulative source, threat, professional complaint) triggers strong emotions (enthusiasm, anger, fear, shame) which, when pedagogically supported, lead to accelerated learning (mastery of investigative tools, fact-checking, risk management) and, in some cases, to learning leaps (epistemic reconfiguration of the investigation as a hypothesis-testing process, ethical distancing from sources, assertion of professional legitimacy). Far from being peripheral, emotions emerge as genuine cognitive catalysts.
The study also underscores the complementary role of pedagogical guidance (close supervision and reflexive debriefings) and peer collaboration in transforming emotions into formative outcomes. This research contributes to a theorization of accelerated learning at the university level, situating investigative journalism training within a dynamic in which uncertainty, emotions, and ethical dilemmas become structuring elements of professional identity construction.
Fact-Checking in Turkey: Comparing Government-Controlled and Independent Organizations During the 2023 Earthquake
by Emircan Saç, Researcher, Istanbul, Turkey
The paper examines fact-checking organizations in Turkey during the 2023 earthquake,
comparing two government-controlled organizations, Dezenformasyonla Mücadele Merkezi and Teyit Hattı, with two independent ones, Teyit and Doğruluk Payı. After the ruling party enters the fact-checking field, the landscape becomes a landscape of direct state control. Using 507 fact-checking articles published between February 6 and March 10, 2023, I coded claim type, source platform, outcome, authorship transparency, and subject category. Findings show apparent differences.
Government-controlled organizations primarily focused on claims criticizing state performance, public institution failure, corruption, discriminatory aid, and falsifying claims. They rarely show authorship and rely heavily on official sources. Independent organizations worked in a broader range, from political propaganda to conspiracy theories and noncritical rumours, used almost only open sources, and always gave author names. Chi-square tests show these differences are statistically significant. The results suggest government-controlled fact-checkers work both as verifiers and as part of the state’s information control, while independents follow pluralistic and transparent methods.
The study adds to the limited literature on fact-checking in non-Western contexts, showing how institutional affiliation shapes claim selection, source use, and transparency in times of crisis.
Generative AI in Southeast Asian Media: Navigating Limitations and Possibilities
by Mathias-Felipe de-Lima-Santos, University of New South Wales, Australia; Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil; Amalia Nurul Muthmainnah, lecturer at the Communication Science Undergraduate Progra, Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya, Indonesia ; Amilia Lisna Dinda, lecturer at the Communication Science Undergraduate Progra, Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya, Indonesia; Tang Lin-Lin, Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Attanan Tachopisalwong, Walailak University, Thailand; and Rechelle Ann T. Barraquias, Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan, Philippines
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping media production and distribution worldwide, but in Southeast Asia (ASEAN), particularly Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines; it presents unique challenges from linguistic to cultural ones. This study brings together researchers from across the Asia Pacific (Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines) to examine how Generative AI (GenAI) is being adopted in the region’s media industry.
This study explores three themes: (i) how linguistic limitations shape GenAI use, (ii) their impact on content accuracy, and (iii) the ethical implications in poorly regulated contexts. Using mixed methods — quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with news organizations — the research reveals a cautious approach to GenAI adoption. While awareness of AI’s potential exists, practical use remains limited. A key barrier is the underrepresentation of Southeast Asian languages in large language models. GenAI tools often rely on translated or low-quality data, producing errors in Thai, Bahasa Indonesia, Malay, and Tagalog.
Consequently, many media outlets resort to English-based* tools, which undermines local language accuracy and inclusivity. Ethical concerns further complicate adoption, including risks of bias, misinformation, and uneven regulation. The absence of robust AI in governance across ASEAN countries highlights stark differences in readiness and oversight. It advocates for linguistically inclusive AI and responsible frameworks beyond Western-centric models.
Keywords: artificial intelligence, generative AI, Southeast Asia, media, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia.
Invisible Bias: How AI Shapes Gendered Narratives in Investigative Journalism
by Hasina Gori, senior broadcast journalist, SABC News, South Africa
In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) has become a defining force in global newsrooms, the assumption of technological neutrality is both persistent and dangerous. As AI systems increasingly shape editorial decisions, content curation, and audience reach, they also become invisible gatekeepers of public discourse. For investigative journalism — a form rooted in truth-telling and power accountability — this shift poses a complex set of challenges. Of particular concern is how AI-driven tools reproduce and amplify existing social inequalities, especially gender biases that have long plagued mainstream media narratives. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has fundamentally reshaped journalism.
From content curation to automated writing, AI tools increasingly influence the stories that reach audiences. Investigative journalism, which relies on in-depth research and critical scrutiny, faces unique challenges in this AI-driven landscape. In particular, women’s voices and stories in the Global South risk being marginalized due to entrenched biases in data, algorithms, and ownership structures (UN Women, 2023; D’Ignazio & Klein, 2020).
These two beats — gender-based violence (GBV) and migration — remain some of the most underreported, yet socially critical areas of journalism. When covered, they are often reduced to sensationalism, trauma voyeurism, or narratives that strip subjects of agency. As AI is embedded into the systems that determine visibility, tone, and placement of news stories, the reproduction of such biases becomes more automated, scalable, and, crucially, harder to detect.
Although newsrooms are increasingly reliant on machine learning algorithms — from automated transcription tools to predictive engagement metrics — there is limited scholarship exploring how these systems reinforce patriarchal frameworks in the Global South. In countries like South Africa, where both GBV and migration are central public issues, the question of who tells women’s stories, how they are framed, and how far they travel becomes not just editorial, but algorithmic.
This paper explores the intersection of AI, investigative journalism, and gender, drawing on global and local examples to illustrate the stakes. It emphasizes the importance of inclusive AIdesign, gender-sensitive reporting, and ethical use of AI tools.
The Power Of Human Voices: Building Trust With Exemplar Sources In Investigative Narratives
by Kristina Abovyan, School of Journalism, University of Missouri-Columbia, US
Centering stories around compelling human voices who have experienced systemic abuse or injustice is a powerful storytelling tool. Studies show that those subjects—known as exemplars—strengthen investigations by making complex issues more tangible, emotionally resonant, and impactful. As investigative journalism adapts to trends like increased audience skepticism and information overload, the strategic use of exemplars remains crucial for engaging readers and driving accountability. However, identifying and building trust with these sources is challenging due to the sensitive nature of their experiences.
This research examines in-depth interviews with nine investigative journalists who have successfully built trust with exemplars in high-impact, award-winning investigations. The analysis reveals eight key strategies for identifying and developing relationships with exemplar sources, as well as best practices for securing their participation. These findings provide insights for reporters and contribute to discussions on ethical sourcing and the evolving role of human-centered storytelling.
By highlighting the importance of human-centered narratives, this paper contributes to conversations on trends in investigative reporting and the application of interdisciplinary methods — such as psychology, sociology, and ethics — to journalism. As the media landscape evolves, understanding how to engage with those impacted by systemic issues remains an essential skill for investigative journalists.
The Challenge of Practicing Environmental Investigative Journalism in Malaysia
by Li Wei Soon, Journalist, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Environmental investigative journalism plays a critical role in exposing ecological violations and holding authorities accountable. However, in Malaysia’s newsrooms, journalists face significant challenges when reporting on issues such as illegal logging, environmentally destructive infrastructure projects, and non-transparent energy transition initiatives.
This study explores the key obstacles encountered by environmental journalists, particularly in conducting in-depth investigative reporting. Despite Malaysia’s democratic framework, journalists struggle to access crucial data from governmental agencies and businesses, which limits their ability to produce comprehensive reports. The reluctance of related authorities to disclose comprehensive environmental impact assessment (EIA) reports further hinders transparency and public awareness.
In fact, reaching out to relevant ministries and securing interviews with key stakeholders, including government officials and ministers, remains a persistent challenge. The study examines the values influencing environmental investigative journalism within this media landscape, assessing how institutional and political structures shape reporting practices. It also considers the risks faced by journalists who challenge powerful entities through investigative work. To gain deeper insights, this study will conduct interviews with approximately 10 – 15 journalists who have worked on environmental investigative pieces, whether successful or unsuccessful, to understand their experiences, challenges, and strategies.
The findings highlight the necessity of policy reforms to enhance access to information, strengthen environmental accountability, and support independent journalism in Malaysia. This research contributes to the broader discourse on media freedom, environmental governance, and journalistic integrity, emphasizing the need for greater institutional support and legal protections for investigative journalists. By shedding light on the barriers to reporting critical environmental issues, this study underscores the urgent need for a more transparent and enabling environment for environmental investigative journalism in Malaysia.
Keywords: Environmental journalism, investigative reporting, Malaysia, media freedom, transparency.
Investigative Journalism in Tunisia: Practices in the Context of Challenges
by Mervet Chaktmi, Phd student in media and communication, L’Institut de Presse et des Sciences de L’Information, Tunisia
Investigative journalism in Tunisia has undergone significant transformations following the 2011 revolution, which marked a turning point for press freedom and journalistic practices. The post-revolution period introduced new opportunities for investigative journalism, including greater freedom of expression and the emergence of independent media outlets. However, these developments have also been accompanied by persistent and evolving challenges.
This article examines the practices of investigative journalists in Tunisia within the context of these transformations, focusing on the opportunities and constraints they face. Through an analysis of case studies, interviews with journalists, and a review of legal and institutional frameworks, the study explores how journalists access and verify information, navigate legal and security risks, and respond to economic pressures. While the revolution led to legal reforms promoting press freedom, journalists still encounter obstacles such as censorship, self-censorship, financial constraints, and political pressures.
By mapping the evolution of investigative journalism in Tunisia from pre-revolution repression to post-revolution complexities, this article provides insights into the resilience and adaptability of journalists in a shifting media environment. The findings contribute to a broader understanding of the relationship between political transformation and investigative journalism, emphasizing the need for continued legal reforms and institutional support to ensure the sustainability of independent investigative reporting.
Eye in the Sky: Remote Sensing for Investigative Journalism
by Sarah Habershon, Institute for Remote Sensing and Earth System Science, Leipzig University
Remote sensing is an increasingly critical tool for investigations in journalism, human rights, and environmental accountability. This typological review examines the state of current practice by exploring and classifying a curated sample of journalistic texts involving remotely sensed Earth observation data, according to the data’s role in the investigation, verification, and telling of the story.
Remote sensing data is used along a spectrum of applications from straightforward evidentiary images to hypothesis-driven investigations, and experimental analyses that blur the boundaries between journalism and science.
How Political Interference Shapes Investigative Journalism in Mofussil Regions: Evidence from Bangladesh
by Sarwar Kamal, Lecturer, Department of Journalism and Media Studies, BGC Trust University, Bangladesh
Investigative Journalism serves as a watchdog of society, ensuring accountability of those in power. Journalists experience a combination of political interference, legal threats, economic coercion and weak institutional support in mofussil regions, districts and upazilas outside the capital Dhaka city, in Bangladesh. Contemporary research has largely focused on city based media systems, leading to a significant gap in understanding the dynamics of political interference and journalistic practices in mofussil regions, where local power structures and patronage mechanisms differ significantly from city environments.
To complete the research, I employed mixed-methods design and conducted a survey of 74 journalists, in-depth interviews and content analysis of investigative reports. Quantitative results show that 85.1% of respondents had been pressured by local politicians to alter or scrap a story, 82.4% faced direct threats and 77% avoided sensitive topics altogether. Qualitative findings reveal that intimidation, lawsuits under the Digital Security Act, and advertiser withdrawal are common tools for silencing investigative reporting. Mofussil journalists commonly normalized the self-censorship as a survival strategy.
The findings of the research demonstrate that political interference in mofussil journalism is multi-layered and systemic, creating an environment in which investigative reporting is frequently dampened down or restricted. These findings of the research highlight the crucial need for legal reforms, stronger institutional protections and economic safeguards to protect press freedom in district level journalism in Bangladesh. The research contributes to wider debates on media autonomy in semi-authoritarian contexts and offers policy recommendations for strengthening investigative reporting in Bangladesh’s mofussil journalism landscapes.
Disinformation Got Smarter, So Did We: How Traditional Fact-Checking Evolved into Intelligence-Driven Investigations in Bangladesh
by Tamara Yesmin Toma, Research Coordinator, Dismislab, Dhaka, Bangladesh
This study examines Bangladesh’s disinformation ecosystem across an authoritarian-to-transitional period, tracing how civic fact-checking evolved into intelligence-driven investigation under political restraint. Using the Authoritarian Playbook as a diagnostic lens and Story-Based Inquiry (SBI) to reconstruct methods, it analyzes three original case studies the AFP expose of “fake expert” op-eds, Dismislab’s mapping of a 1,369-account Facebook bot network, and an International Policy Digest (IPD) ghost-author sting alongside interviews with three lead investigators.
The cases reveal a multi-layer architecture in which manufactured expertise (fabricated academics), manufactured consensus (bot brigades), and a foreign veneer (ghost authors abroad) work in concert to legitimize power, stigmatize critics, and travel back into domestic discourse.
Challenges in Mainstreaming Environmental Journalism in Indonesia: From Alternative Media to Journalism Classes at Universities
by Yearry P. Setianto, Universitas Multimedia Nusantara, Indonesia; Irma Garnesia, Researcher,Technische Universität Ilmenau, Germany; and Rachma A. Ramadhani, Universitas Multimedia Nusantara, Indonesia
Environmental journalism in Indonesia has evolved significantly, gaining relevance as climate change, natural disasters, and ecological degradation increasingly affect communities across the archipelago. While mainstream media historically sidelined environmental coverage, independent outlets such as Mongabay Indonesia, Ekuatorial, and Betahita have pioneered investigative reporting on issues like deforestation, coal mining, and environmental policy failures, often relying on international grants and NGO collaborations.
This study examines the development and institutionalization of environmental journalism in Indonesia, from alternative media to its growing presence in journalism education. Using a political economy of media framework, we analyze the roles of NGOs, journalism associations, and international funders in shaping the field. Drawing on interviews with journalists, editors, and media trainers, we highlight both the opportunities and constraints faced by practitioners.
Importantly, environmental journalism is also entering university curricula. At Universitas Multimedia Nusantara, for instance, guest lectures and Pulitzer Seed Grants have supported student reporting projects on climate-affected areas. These initiatives bridge the gap between academic learning and field practice. Despite progress, challenges remain. Most alternative newsrooms lack a dedicated source of funding and rely heavily on external financial resources while universities are still in the early stage to fully develop their environmental reporting. These barriers underscore the need for structural support to ensure the sustainability and independence of environmental journalism in Indonesia.