Investigative reporting - a quiet journey in search of the truth

In the hustle and bustle of life, when information is flooding digital platforms, not everyone has enough time and patience to stop before a long article. However, there are still genres that make readers pause to ponder, to read to the last line because the truth is revealed truthfully. That is investigative reporting, a special genre of journalism, where the writer not only holds a pen but also commits and takes responsibility to society.

(Illustration: AI)

Do not accept "silence"

On a rainy afternoon in June, in a small house in Ben Luc town, Ben Luc district, Long An province, Mrs. Le Thi Thu sat by the window reading the newspaper. Over 50 years old, she still maintains the habit of updating information through the press every day, from which she perceives and reflects on what is happening in life.

“I don’t read the newspaper for entertainment. I want to know how society is changing and how my country is developing. There are articles that I remember forever after reading because I learn and understand many interesting and valuable things,” Ms. Thu said slowly.

The articles that interest her are always investigative reports , sometimes about land manipulation, sometimes about sophisticated criminal rings .

“The writing style is not gentle or soft, but it is very real. It hurts me, but also makes me believe that mistakes are not left in silence or forgotten,” Ms. Thu added.

Mr. Le Van Phuong, a resident of Nhi Thanh commune, Thu Thua district, still maintains the habit of reading newspapers every morning. For him, the press is a channel that honestly reflects the lifeblood of society. “The press not only reflects but also criticizes and supervises society,” Mr. Phuong commented.

He believes that investigative reporting contributes to exposing the truth, urging the relevant authorities to investigate and handle the situation. He compares investigative reporting to a sharp sword to protect and build the Party, rectify the apparatus, preserve kindness, goodness, humanity and push back evil and injustice to build a better society.

Unlike other genres, investigative reporting is a long and challenging journey. The writer does not only collect information but also quietly penetrates, patiently listens, filters and connects the pieces of the truth.

For a long time, investigative reporting has not only been a genre of journalism but also a symbol of courage and perseverance in seeking the truth.

An experienced journalist, who has pursued dozens of large and small investigations, shared: “Investigative journalism is like walking a tightrope. You have to maintain a balance between information and emotions, and have enough courage to not fall down in the face of difficulties or temptations.”

This journalist said that there were cases where it took half a year to get access to the first source of information. Sometimes he had to disguise himself and live in a poor boarding house to infiltrate.

And there are times when I have to erase all traces and temporarily stop contacting my family to ensure my own safety and that of my colleagues. “But when I see the victims who have been there for years speak up, when the truth is revealed and justice is served, I feel everything is worth it,” the journalist confided.

To conduct investigative reporting, the pressure on journalists is not small. They have to face legal risks, threats from exposed subjects and sometimes misunderstandings from colleagues, management agencies and the public.

In addition, just one incorrect detail or one piece of information that has not been thoroughly verified can cause the entire work to collapse, even affecting not only an individual but also a unit or organization.

Courage and responsibility

Investigative reporting is very "tough" but it brings deep faith in the profession. Many times an investigative article can change policy for the better or help an innocent person to be vindicated and justice to be protected.

Investigative reporting is a clear and outstanding example of professional effort, courage and conscience. That is when journalists choose to step into the darkness to bring light, when they do not remain silent in the face of injustice, do not turn their backs on the pain of others.

Investigative reporting is also the voice of the disadvantaged and the vanguard on the front of supporting justice and exorcising evil.

When the dark corners and truths are exposed, the power of investigative journalism is further affirmed.

In the era of science and technology development, a lot of information is disturbed, distorted, fake news spreads quickly and widely on social networks. Accordingly, serious investigative journalism is needed. These are the fresh winds that sweep away the dust, helping people define right - wrong, true - false, good - bad.

For investigative reporting in the press to develop, a healthy media environment, a mechanism to protect journalists both legally and spiritually, and respect for professional rights are indispensable.

In addition, press agencies need to build a solid professional ecosystem in which journalists and investigative reporters are properly trained, supported and recognized for their efforts and intelligence.

On the other hand, each journalist must uphold responsibility and ethics, regularly study and practice to improve professional skills to meet development requirements.

The responsible voice of the press through serious and thorough investigative works is the flame that lights up the truth and maintains trust in society.

Protecting the truth and justice is not only the strength but also the sacred mission of a true journalist./.

Vu Quang

Source: https://baolongan.vn/phong-su-dieu-tra-hanh-trinh-lang-le-di-tim-su-that-a197278.html