Investigative journalism thrives on the passion that drives the writer

Investigative journalism seeks to make a change in society. For the journalists Carlos Quisbert and Claudia Soruco, this aspect of journalism plays a mediating role between the population and the administrators of power. Both journalists were in charge of the cycle of talks “Experts in investigative journalism, beyond the truth.”

The event was in charge of the Journalism career of the Franz Tamayo University, Unifranz.

Researchers Mark Lee Hunter and Nils Hanson say that “investigative journalism is the task of deliberately revealing covert matters, by someone in a position of power. It is an activity that requires the use of both public and secret sources and documents”.

Soruco sees in journalism a tool that works in favor of the population, so that they can exercise their right to justice and access to public information.

“What is generated in the population by an act of corruption? Indignation, annoyance, anger and action, which translates into movements, marches and demands. The population is the one who must exercise their right to freedom of information, ”he said. The journalist was recognized with the 2022 National Journalism Award for a report entitled “Marco Antonio Aramayo: torture and death of a corruption whistleblower.”

From a critical perspective, the journalist emphasized the role of the journalist in denouncing acts that threaten the population.

“Journalists are not judicial actors, we cannot be part of a judicial process, our job is to make a report, denounce, disseminate and follow up on it, we cannot be called as witnesses, nor can we be forced to reveal our sources,” he pointed out.

To deepen an investigation, a greater effort is required. He is not satisfied with a few sources, he covers an infinity of them to confirm the hypothesis. The crossing of variables is fundamental, That is where the defense of the journalist is based.

For his part, Quisbert stood out for his coverage in the case of baby Alexander. His talk started from the reflection on the responsibility that journalism demands.

“Do not dedicate yourself to journalism if it is not your vocation or if you are looking for comfort, because it is not like that, the journalism seeks to create change in societyleads us to mark the lives of other people, that is the true privilege,” Quisbert said.

Journalism students actively participated in the talk

Investigative journalism maintains its rigor from the obtaining and processing of information, it supports them by confirming or ruling out a hypothesis. The assessment of the information obtained is key to continue with the investigative process.

The investigative journalist has to be absolutely committed to the truth that they are trying to uncover. That journey implies being ethical, Quisberth remarks. Other characteristics that the expert highlights is the patience, persistence and commitment.

The two journalists agreed to mark the most difficult part. Both pointed to the difficulty in finding a good story. These arise from the trigger data, a clue, the leak of information, among others.

Quisbert establishes as a fundamental pillar of journalism the passion for his work. “We need to do quality things, that quality work will change people’s lives,” he emphasized.