Foundational journalistic and digital skills essential for investigative reporting

The transition from university to the newsroom is often a steep climb for young journalists in Zimbabwe. Veteran investigative reporter and mentor Owen Gagare argues that bridging this gap requires a return to foundational skills combined with modern investigative, fact-checking and storytelling techniques. By focusing on ethics and practical confidence, educators can prepare students for the high-stakes environment of professional investigation.

Investigative journalism is often viewed as a daunting, almost unreachable peak for students. However, according to Owen Gagare, an award-winning investigative journalist in Zimbabwe, the path to excellence starts with the basics. During a recent guest lecture focused on co-designing investigative curricula for female journalists, Gagare highlighted a growing disconnect between academic theory and the practical demands of the field.

The most significant hurdle is not always a lack of technical knowledge, but a decline in foundational journalistic competencies. Gagare notes that many students enter the industry without a firm grasp of interviewing skills, research methods, source verification or even the professional etiquette required to navigate complex social hierarchies.

Read the full article on the Fojo website: Foundational journalistic and digital skills essential for investigative reporting - Fojo Media Institute