“The Vital Role of Training in Investigative Journalism”

Forming journalists is a crucial task in today’s society, where the media plays a fundamental role in shaping public opinion and disseminating information. In particular, the field of investigative journalism requires a high level of professionalism and ethical standards, as it involves uncovering hidden truths and exposing corruption and wrongdoing. To train aspiring journalists in this field, the workshop “Forming investigative journalists: ‘Ndrangheta stereotypes and reality” was organized by the renowned journalist Claudio La Camera.
The workshop, which took place in the beautiful city of Reggio Calabria, aimed to provide participants with the necessary tools and skills to conduct in-depth investigations and shed light on the complex and often misunderstood reality of the ‘Ndrangheta, a powerful and secretive criminal organization based in Calabria, Italy. The workshop was open to both aspiring journalists and professionals, and it was a unique opportunity to learn from one of the most experienced and respected investigative journalists in the country.
Claudio La Camera, who has been investigating the ‘Ndrangheta for over 20 years, shared his knowledge and expertise with the participants, providing them with valuable insights and practical advice on how to approach and conduct an investigative report. His passion and dedication to his work were evident in every session, and his enthusiasm was contagious, motivating the participants to push their boundaries and strive for excellence.
One of the main topics discussed during the workshop was the importance of breaking stereotypes and avoiding sensationalism in investigative journalism. The ‘Ndrangheta is often portrayed in the media as a group of ruthless and violent criminals, perpetuating a negative and one-dimensional image of the organization. However, as Claudio La Camera pointed out, this is far from the truth. The ‘Ndrangheta is a complex and multifaceted reality, and it is essential to go beyond the stereotypes and dig deeper to understand its inner workings and dynamics.
To illustrate this point, La Camera shared some of his most significant investigations, which revealed the ‘Ndrangheta’s involvement in legitimate businesses, politics, and even the Catholic Church. These eye-opening stories showed the participants that investigative journalism is not just about exposing criminal activities but also about uncovering the truth and giving a voice to those who are often silenced.
Moreover, the workshop also addressed the challenges and risks that come with investigative reporting, especially when dealing with powerful and dangerous criminal organizations like the ‘Ndrangheta. Claudio La Camera shared his personal experiences, including being investigated and threatened by the ‘Ndrangheta himself, to emphasize the importance of safety measures and ethical principles in this type of journalism.
The workshop also included a practical session, where participants had the opportunity to put into practice what they had learned. Divided into groups, they were given a real case of a ‘Ndrangheta-related crime, and they had to conduct interviews, gather evidence, and write an investigative report. This hands-on experience was invaluable, as it allowed the participants to apply the theoretical knowledge and face the challenges of investigative journalism in a safe and controlled environment.
The success of the workshop was evident in the positive feedback from the participants, who praised Claudio La Camera‘s expertise and the organization of the event. Many of them expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to learn from such a renowned journalist and for the valuable insights and practical skills they acquired during the workshop.
In conclusion, the workshop “Forming investigative journalists: ‘Ndrangheta stereotypes and reality” was a resounding success, providing aspiring journalists with the necessary tools and skills to conduct in-depth investigations and break stereotypes. Thanks to the dedication and passion of Claudio La Camera, the participants left the workshop motivated and inspired to pursue a career in investigative journalism and contribute to a more informed and just society.