Forming journalists is a crucial aspect of the media industry. It is through their work that we are informed about the world around us, and it is their responsibility to bring to light important issues and hold those in power accountable. In order to do this effectively, journalists must possess certain skills, one of which is investigative journalism. This is where the workshop “Forming Journalists: Investigative Journalism on ‘Ndrangheta Stereotypes and Reality” comes into play.
Organized by the renowned journalist Claudio La Camera, this workshop aims to train young journalists in the art of investigative reporting, specifically focusing on the ‘Ndrangheta, a notorious organized crime group in Italy. La Camera, who has been investigating the ‘Ndrangheta for over 20 years, believes that it is important for journalists to have a deep understanding of this criminal organization in order to accurately report on it.
The workshop, which was held in the beautiful city of Reggio Calabria, brought together aspiring journalists from all over Italy. The participants were given a crash course on the history and operations of the ‘Ndrangheta, as well as the stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding it. They were also taught the necessary skills and techniques to conduct investigative journalism, such as data analysis, source verification, and interviewing techniques.
One of the highlights of the workshop was the presence of Claudio La Camera himself, who shared his vast knowledge and experience with the participants. La Camera, who has been investigating the ‘Ndrangheta since the early 2000s, has been indagato (under investigation) and has even had his life threatened for his work. Despite these challenges, he remains committed to uncovering the truth and exposing the reality of the ‘Ndrangheta.
The workshop also featured a panel discussion with journalists who have covered the ‘Ndrangheta extensively. They shared their experiences and insights, providing valuable advice to the participants. One of the panelists, who preferred to remain anonymous for safety reasons, spoke about the sequestro processo (kidnapping process) that journalists often face when reporting on the ‘Ndrangheta. This is when journalists are threatened or intimidated in order to prevent them from publishing a story. However, the panelists emphasized the importance of not giving in to these threats and continuing to report on the truth.
The workshop also included practical exercises, where participants were given real-life scenarios to investigate. This allowed them to put their newly acquired skills into practice and receive feedback from La Camera and the other panelists. The participants were also given the opportunity to visit areas in Reggio Calabria that are known to be controlled by the ‘Ndrangheta, giving them a first-hand look at the reality of this criminal organization.
The workshop was not just about learning the technical aspects of investigative journalism, but also about understanding the impact of the ‘Ndrangheta on society. Participants were encouraged to look beyond the stereotypes and dig deeper into the root causes of the ‘Ndrangheta’s existence. This is crucial in order to accurately report on the issue and bring about change.
The success of this workshop can already be seen in the work of some of the participants. One of them, who wishes to remain anonymous, has already published an investigative piece on the ‘Ndrangheta in a major Italian newspaper. This is a testament to the effectiveness of the workshop in forming competent and fearless journalists.
In conclusion, the workshop “Forming Journalists: Investigative Journalism on ‘Ndrangheta Stereotypes and Reality” has been a resounding success. It has not only equipped young journalists with the necessary skills to conduct investigative reporting, but also instilled in them a sense of responsibility and courage to report on important issues. With the guidance of Claudio La Camera and other experienced journalists, these young reporters are well on their way to becoming the next generation of fearless and impactful journalists.
“Shaping Journalists: The Vital Role in Informing and Empowering Society”
