FREEDONIa A Case Study in Investigative journalism Teaching note Alex norris and rod macdonnell Economic Development Institute 1996/1997
FREEDONIA A Case Study in Investigative Journalism Teaching Note Alex Norris and Rod MacDonnell Economic Development Institute 1996/1997
Copyright C 2002 The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/The World Bank 1 818H Street Nw Washington D. C. 20433. U.S.A The World Bank enjoys copyright under protocol 2 of the Universal Copyright Convention. This material may nonetheless be copied for research, educational, or scholarly purposes only in the member countries of The World Bank Material in this series is subject to revision. The findings interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this document are entirely those of the author(s)and should not be attributed in any manner to the World Bank, to its affiliated organizations, or the members of its Board of Executive Directors or the countries they represent FREEDONIA: A Case Study in Investigative Journalism Teaching note Alex norris and rod macdonnell 1996. 22 pages. Stock No 37116
Copyright © 2002 The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/The World Bank 1818 H Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20433, U.S.A. The World Bank enjoys copyright under protocol 2 of the Universal Copyright Convention. This material may nonetheless be copied for research, educational, or scholarly purposes only in the member countries of The World Bank. Material in this series is subject to revision. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this document are entirely those of the author(s) and should not be attributed in any manner to the World Bank, to its affiliated organizations, or the members of its Board of Executive Directors or the countries they represent. FREEDONIA: A Case Study in Investigative Journalism Teaching Note Alex Norris and Rod MacDonnell 1996. 22 pages. Stock No. 37116
CONTENTS FREEDONIA FREEDONIA FREEDONIA'S Daily Press FREEDONIA -1 FREEDONIA-2 6 FREEDONIA-3 8 FREEDONIA -4 FREEDONIA-5 10 FREEDONIA-6 11 FREEDONIA -7 13 FREEdONIA -8 15 FREEDONIA-9 FREEDONIA -10 FREEDONIA-11
iii CONTENTS FREEDONIA...................................................................................................................................1 FREEDONIA...................................................................................................................................2 FREEDONIA’s Daily Press............................................................................................................3 FREEDONIA - 1.............................................................................................................................4 FREEDONIA - 2.............................................................................................................................6 FREEDONIA - 3.............................................................................................................................8 FREEDONIA - 4.............................................................................................................................9 FREEDONIA - 5...........................................................................................................................10 FREEDONIA - 6...........................................................................................................................11 FREEDONIA - 7...........................................................................................................................13 FREEDONIA - 8...........................................................................................................................15 FREEDONIA - 9...........................................................................................................................16 FREEDONIA - 10.........................................................................................................................17 FREEDONIA - 11.........................................................................................................................18
FREEDONIA Instructors gu Note: For lesson planning purposes, numbers on the upper right-hand corner of the beginning of each exercise component(For example, 1(a), 2(), etc.)represent the number of minutes that each component should take. Text in capital letters is meant for instructors. Text in upper and lower case is the material that will be handed out to participants This exercise is designed to be as interactive as possible. In group discussions, instead of lecturing, try as much as possible to have participants debate among themselves and come ith the best answers to the points being raised But at the end of each discussion, make that, at the very least, the main points of each exercise have been driven home This entire exercise is a work in progress. It was conceived and developed by Danish journalist- consultants to the Economic Development Institute of the World Bank, and later edited and amended. Instructors using it should feel free to amend, shorten or add to it as they see fit Lesson 1(a): Five minutes to explain purpose and ground rules for entire "Freedonia exercise. It should be explained to participants that this is a simulation and that some of the exercises will be amusing, but that participants should treated them as though they were all part of a real, unfolding story Participants should also be warned that the entire Freedonia simulation exercise includes traps that journalists commonly fall into. They should be reassured that it is normal to fall into these traps, that by doing so and discovering afterward that they have fallen into these traps, they will learn how to avoid certain common pitfalls of journalism Participants should also be told that in all freedonia exercises they should work only with the information they have been given in handouts, during simulated press conferences or during the course of the simulation. (that is, they should not invent information or interviews with officials but, rather, should work only with the information that all groups have been given This latter point should be stressed at the beginning of each Freedonia assignment Lesson 1(b): 15 minutes to introduce hypothetical country and its newspapers. 15
FREEDONIA Instructors guide Note: For lesson planning purposes, numbers on the upper right-hand corner of the beginning of each exercise component (For example, 1 (a), 2 (b), etc.) represent the number of minutes that each component should take. Text in capital letters is meant for instructors. Text in upper and lower case is the material that will be handed out to participants. This exercise is designed to be as interactive as possible. In group discussions, instead of lecturing, try as much as possible to have participants debate among themselves and come up with the best answers to the points being raised. But at the end of each discussion, make sure that, at the very least, the main points of each exercise have been driven home. This entire exercise is a work in progress. It was conceived and developed by Danish journalistconsultants to the Economic Development Institute of the World Bank, and later edited and amended. Instructors using it should feel free to amend, shorten or add to it as they see fit. Lesson 1(a): Five minutes to explain purpose and ground rules for entire “Freedonia” exercise: 5 · It should be explained to participants that this is a simulation and that some of the exercises will be amusing, but that participants should treated them as though they were all part of a real, unfolding story. · Participants should also be warned that the entire Freedonia simulation exercise includes traps that journalists commonly fall into. They should be reassured that it is normal to fall into these traps, that by doing so and discovering afterward that they have fallen into these traps, they will learn how to avoid certain common pitfalls of journalism. · Participants should also be told that in all Freedonia exercises, they should work only with the information they have been given in handouts, during simulated press conferences or during the course of the simulation. (that is, they should not invent information or interviews with officials but, rather, should work only with the information that all groups have been given.) This latter point should be stressed at the beginning of each Freedonia assignment. Lesson 1(b): 15 minutes to introduce hypothetical country and its newspapers. 15
FREEDONIA The following story takes place in the country of freedonia and mainly in Palisades, the capital Over the past decade, Freedonians have elected a series of governments which have promised economic and democratic reforms But the efforts to build a sound base for sustainable socio development and prosperity have been hampered by corruption and domestic instability Falling export revenues, poor harvests and mismanagement in the civil service have worsened Freedonia's economic and social problems. During the past two years, however, a process of democratization has gained momentum, catching the attention and appreciation of foreign donor Multi-party elections last year resulted in the formation of a coalition government, which apparently enjoys the backing of the business elite The government, led by the Liberal Party of Freedonia, LPF, has launched an economic reform program aimed at attracting foreign investors and promoting economic growth The government s reform efforts have met strong criticism from the main opposition party in Parliament, the Progress Party of Freedonia, PPF. The PPF advocates a more equal distribution of resources and protection of the rights of the poor and underprivileged
2 FREEDONIA The following story takes place in the country of Freedonia and mainly in Palisades, the capital. Over the past decade, Freedonians have elected a series of governments which have promised economic and democratic reforms. But the efforts to build a sound base for sustainable socioeconomic development and prosperity have been hampered by corruption and domestic instability. Falling export revenues, poor harvests and mismanagement in the civil service have worsened Freedonia’s economic and social problems. During the past two years, however, a process of democratization has gained momentum, catching the attention and appreciation of foreign donors. Multi-party elections last year resulted in the formation of a coalition government, which apparently enjoys the backing of the business elite. The government, led by the Liberal Party of Freedonia, LPF, has launched an economic reform program aimed at attracting foreign investors and promoting economic growth. The government’s reform efforts have met strong criticism from the main opposition party in Parliament, the Progress Party of Freedonia, PPF. The PPF advocates a more equal distribution of resources and protection of the rights of the poor and underprivileged
FREEDONIA'S Daily Press Under the previous regime, all of Freedonia's newspapers were subservient mouthpieces of those in power. Journalists were not permitted to challenge authorities or politicians in the ruling party. When they did, they risked being jailed tortured or executed Today, things have changed for the better. Human-rights abuses have diminished. Occasionally, reporters who anger the regime are still jailed or harassed by authorities, but limits on freedom of expression have eased considerably and a new breed of independent journal ists at fierce ndependent newspapers has emerged. These papers are quickly drawing readers away from the stuffy, old-style publications that continue to trumpet the government's line In the following exercise, participants will join reporting staffs at the following five of Freedonia's most independent and respected newspapers--fearless publications that are committed to reporting the truth, even when that means challenging the interests of those who hold power THE PALISADES POST THE OBSERVER THE GAZETTE THE GLOBE THE DAILY INQUIRER
3 FREEDONIA’s Daily Press Under the previous regime, all of Freedonia’s newspapers were subservient mouthpieces of those in power. Journalists were not permitted to challenge authorities or politicians in the ruling party. When they did, they risked being jailed, tortured or executed. Today, things have changed for the better. Human-rights abuses have diminished. Occasionally, reporters who anger the regime are still jailed or harassed by authorities, but limits on freedom of expression have eased considerably and a new breed of independent journalists at fiercely independent newspapers has emerged. These papers are quickly drawing readers away from the stuffy, old-style publications that continue to trumpet the government’s line. In the following exercise, participants will join reporting staffs at the following five of Freedonia’s most independent and respected newspapers -- fearless publications that are committed to reporting the truth, even when that means challenging the interests of those who hold power. THE PALISADES POST THE OBSERVER THE GAZETTE THE GLOBE THE DAILY INQUIRER
Lesson I(c): 5 minutes to hand out"Freedonia 1"sheet and read the press release aloud as students read along. FREEDONIA-1 MONDAY MORNING N THE NEWSROOM a press release has arrived shortly before deadline from the London-based firm Thonka Inc whose managing director is Mr Leonard Singer, a native of Freedonia. You have confirmed that this is a genuine press release from the company. It reads PRESS RELEASE.A NEW BEGINNING FOR GREEN PARK Last week in London, Thonka Inc signed a letter of understanding with Amari Hotels on the financing and construction of a five-star luxury hotel in the Palisades suburb known as Green Park A site has now been designated for the hotel, but needs formal approval from Mr David Suzdal, Minister of Planning. The site formerly served as location for the now defunct Tigers Battalion of Freedonia's Defense Forces and was recently acquired by Thonka Inc. from bombay traders Ltd Our companys negotiations with the Ministry of Planning are progressing, and we expect the documents of approval to be finalized early next month, said Mr Leonard Singer, managing director of Thonka Inc We are happy to announce that this development project is likely to create at least 800 jobs at the construction site. This will make the project the single largest contribution to the development of the tourism industry in Freedonia, and thus will be perfectly in line with the internationally acclaimed priorities of the Government of Freedonia, " Mr Singer added Work will commence immediately. Applicants, mainly masons, bulldozer drivers concrete workers and carpenters, are kindly requested to turn up at our recruitment office on 14 Willow Street, starting Monday
4 Lesson 1(c): 5 minutes to hand out “Freedonia 1” sheet and read the press release aloud as students read along. 5 FREEDONIA - 1 MONDAY MORNING IN THE NEWSROOM. A press release has arrived shortly before deadline from the London-based firm Thonka Inc., whose managing director is Mr. Leonard Singer, a native of Freedonia. You have confirmed that this is a genuine press release from the company. It reads: “PRESS RELEASE: A NEW BEGINNING FOR GREEN PARK” Last week in London, Thonka Inc. signed a letter of understanding with Amari Hotels on the financing and construction of a five-star luxury hotel in the Palisades suburb known as Green Park. A site has now been designated for the hotel, but needs formal approval from Mr. David Suzdal, Minister of Planning. The site formerly served as location for the now defunct Tigers Battalion of Freedonia’s Defense Forces and was recently acquired by Thonka Inc. from Bombay Traders Ltd. “Our company’s negotiations with the Ministry of Planning are progressing, and we expect the documents of approval to be finalized early next month,” said Mr. Leonard Singer, managing director of Thonka Inc. “We are happy to announce that this development project is likely to create at least 800 jobs at the construction site. This will make the project the single largest contribution to the development of the tourism industry in Freedonia, and thus will be perfectly in line with the internationally acclaimed priorities of the Government of Freedonia,” Mr. Singer added. Work will commence immediately. Applicants, mainly masons, bulldozer drivers, concrete workers and carpenters, are kindly requested to turn up at our recruitment office on 14 Willow Street, starting Monday
Lesson 1(d: 10 minutes for each participant to perform the following exercise on his own. 10 How do you deal with this piece of information? ()On your own, take 10 minutes to draw up two lists -one of the newsworthy information in the press release about which you are not in doubt, and a second outlining the things you need to check Lesson 1(e)20 minutes to divide into five and perform, in each of the groups, the following exercises 20 (2) Discuss the issue and write a news article including headline, sub-head and the lead paragraph, to be delivered in 20 minutes Lesson 1(f: 20 minutes for each of four groups to present its headlines, subheads and lead paragraphs, to the plenary, to be written up on blackboard 20 Lesson 1(g): 30 minutes, in plenary, for critiques, suggestions and defenses of each group's handling of the press release Lesson 1(h): 10 minutes, in plenary, to list main questions that have arisen and suggest possible sources to answer them 10 Main points to reinforce in Lesson 1: (1) Make no assumptions. Report only what you know for sure (2) Attribute ( define attribution for participants) (3 Be skeptical. Look for contradictions and inconsistencies. Don't be afraid to put them your story. It is your story, and you can write it as you wish. You do not have to choose the angle chosen by those who wrote the press release. (a very good lead can be found in the contradiction between" construction begins"and"awaiting approval. (4) Source suggestions and tips documents(eg: land registry, company registry, newspaper clippings, courthouse) the internet of land flips NGOS, labor organizations, human-rights groups, foreign securities commissions (5) Always ask yourself: Who wins? Who loses? Try to get Information from, or about both winners and losers
5 Lesson 1(d): 10 minutes for each participant to perform the following exercise on his own. 10 How do you deal with this piece of information? (1) On your own, take 10 minutes to draw up two lists -- one of the newsworthy information in the press release about which you are not in doubt, and a second outlining the things you need to check. Lesson 1(e) 20 minutes to divide into five and perform, in each of the groups, the following exercises. 20 (2) Discuss the issue and write a news article including headline, sub-head and the lead paragraph, to be delivered in 20 minutes. Lesson 1(f): 20 minutes for each of four groups to present its headlines, subheads and lead paragraphs, to the plenary, to be written up on blackboard 20 Lesson 1(g): 30 minutes, in plenary, for critiques, suggestions and defenses of each group’s handling of the press release 30 Lesson 1(h): 10 minutes, in plenary, to list main questions that have arisen and suggest possible sources to answer them 10 Main points to reinforce in Lesson 1: (1) Make no assumptions. Report only what you know for sure. (2) Attribute. (define attribution for participants) (3) Be skeptical. Look for contradictions and inconsistencies. Don’t be afraid to put them in your story. It is your story, and you can write it as you wish. You do not have to choose the angle chosen by those who wrote the press release. (a very good lead can be found in the contradiction between “construction begins” and “awaiting approval.”) (4) Source suggestions and tips: · documents (eg: land registry, company registry, newspaper clippings, courthouse) · the internet · beware of land flips · NGOs, labor organizations, human-rights groups, · foreign securities commissions (5) Always ask yourself: “Who wins? Who loses?” Try to get Information from, or about, both winners and losers
6 Lesson 2(a): 10 minutes to present " Freedonia 2 FREEDONIA -2 TUESDAY MORNING N THE NEWSROOM You are checking information on the green Park case. Your editor arrives one hour late. His car was blocked on his way to the office by angry protesters in Green Park. On his arrival, the editor is furious because today's story about the hotel project does not give the full picture While in Green Park, the editor saw a handful of armed policemen who had been called to the area to protect two bulldozers parked near the designated construction site. When passing a parked fire engine, the editor's brand new Toyota Corolla was hit by a couple of stones thrown by some of the protesters The news meeting starts. The editor complains: "Look at todays papers: Freedonia tourism in for major boost, ""Hotel Project Stalls as Minister Suzdal drags Feet, Five Star Hotel for Green Park. Nobody got the real story! Why did you not stress that work starts on Monday? Everybody in green Park knows that. It is a well known fact. Activists are throwing stones out there One of your colleagues replies: " We had planned to do the follow-up story today. We would focus on the fact that the work is starting before formal approval of the project, as mentioned in the press release Your editor: That will not do. We cannot leave the hard news to our competitors. I want the full story, and i want it now! Meanwhile, Thonka Inc has announced an executive press briefing on the new hotel project at 2 p. m at Grand Imperial Hotel. Extensive information on the project will be presented.Present will be, among others: Mr Leonard Singer, managing director of Thonka Inc; Mr. Paddington Rich, director of development, Amari Hotels, Mr. Jimmy Wong, the hotel company's chief technical director; and a representative of the ministry of Planning Lesson 2(b): 20 minutes to come up with an action plan in groups, as outlined in instructions below. Instructor should stress that the choices will involve how to allocate limited resources(that is, four reporters and one vehicle) and what main questions need answering in a limited period of time Discuss your journalistic approach to the Green Park case as it develops now. What is your main story? How do you catch up with the competitors? In 20 minutes, come up with a detailed plan of action listing your main priorities and the most important questions you want answered. Who will do what?
6 Lesson 2(a): 10 minutes to present "Freedonia 2" 10 FREEDONIA - 2 TUESDAY MORNING IN THE NEWSROOM. You are checking information on the Green Park case. Your editor arrives one hour late. His car was blocked on his way to the office by angry protesters in Green Park. On his arrival, the editor is furious because today’s story about the hotel project does not give the full picture. While in Green Park, the editor saw a handful of armed policemen who had been called to the area to protect two bulldozers parked near the designated construction site. When passing a parked fire engine, the editor’s brand new Toyota Corolla was hit by a couple of stones thrown by some of the protesters. The news meeting starts. The editor complains: “Look at today’s papers: “Freedonia tourism in for major boost,” “Hotel Project Stalls as Minister Suzdal Drags Feet,” “Five Star Hotel for Green Park.” Nobody got the real story! Why did you not stress that work starts on Monday? Everybody in Green Park knows that. It is a well known fact. Activists are throwing stones out there!" One of your colleagues replies: “We had planned to do the follow-up story today. We would focus on the fact that the work is starting before formal approval of the project, as mentioned in the press release.” Your editor: “That will not do. We cannot leave the hard news to our competitors. I want the full story, and I want it now!” Meanwhile, Thonka Inc. has announced an executive press briefing on the new hotel project at 2 p.m. at Grand Imperial Hotel. Extensive information on the project will be presented. Present will be, among others: Mr. Leonard Singer, managing director of Thonka Inc.; Mr. Paddington Rich, director of development, Amari Hotels; Mr. Jimmy Wong, the hotel company’s chief technical director; and a representative of the Ministry of Planning. Lesson 2(b): 20 minutes to come up with an action plan in groups, as outlined in instructions below. Instructor should stress that the choices will involve how to allocate limited resources (that is, four reporters and one vehicle) and what main questions need answering, in a limited period of time. 20 Discuss your journalistic approach to the Green Park case as it develops now. What is your main story? How do you catch up with the competitors? In 20 minutes, come up with a detailed plan of action listing your main priorities and the most important questions you want answered. Who will do what?
7 Lesson 2(c): 15 minutes for groups to present their action plans to the plenary (approximately 4 minutes each), with main elements of each put on blackboard 1 Lesson 2(d): 10 minutes for plenary debate/discussion on what the top priorities should be, referring to the priorities listed on blackboard. Resource people can add suggestions, where appropriate 10 Lesson 2(e): 10 minutes for similar debate/discussion on questions and possible sources 10 Main point of lesson 2(a-e): Time and resources are limited when covering a breaking story. Not everything can be done. One must ask: " What is the most important information we need now? ""How can we get that information quickly Lesson 2(f: Instructors simulate press conference, with"Managing Director of Thonka confirming at some point that "work starts today " and, if asked about lack of permit, saying something like"final details are being worked out and we are confident that the necessary approval will be forthcoming. Singer should never claim to have government support but should emphasize the support he has received from the official. Cocktails, snacks and transport should be offered to reporters by the company. Technical director should have a list of"facts"about the project (that is, 27 presidential suites, 18-hole championship golf course, 140-hectare development, one Olympic swimming pool, at least 800 jobs, S100 million investment, 26 floors, etc. )so that a check can be made for accuracy in subsequent assignments If participants raise questions about respect for environmental norms, they should be told that amari hotels has done its own environmental impact assessment and that its project got top marks in that assessment. 45 Main points of Lesson 2(f (2) Don' t rely on handouts; the best, most revealing information(at press conferences or (3 Ask clear, concise questions. Dont make speeches, and dont make accusations, when asking a question. Avoid double-barreled questions (4) Don't get distracted by dramatic "red herrings" figure out what's really important and focus on that t his title (6) What's wrong with a company doing an environmental impact assessment on its own project? Be alert to conflicts of interest
7 Lesson 2(c): 15 minutes for groups to present their action plans to the plenary (approximately 4 minutes each), with main elements of each put on blackboard 15 Lesson 2(d): 10 minutes for plenary debate/discussion on what the top priorities should be, referring to the priorities listed on blackboard. Resource people can add suggestions, where appropriate 10 Lesson 2(e): 10 minutes for similar debate/discussion on questions and possible sources 10 Main point of lesson 2 (a-e): Time and resources are limited when covering a breaking story. Not everything can be done. One must ask: “What is the most important information we need now?” “How can we get that information quickly?” Lesson 2(f): Instructors simulate press conference, with “Managing Director of Thonka” confirming at some point that “work starts today” and, if asked about lack of permit, saying something like “final details are being worked out and we are confident that the necessary approval will be forthcoming.” Singer should never claim to have government support but should emphasize the support he has received from the official. Cocktails, snacks and transport should be offered to reporters by the company. Technical director should have a list of “facts” about the project (that is, 27 presidential suites, 18-hole championship golf course, 140-hectare development, one Olympic swimming pool, at least 800 jobs, $100 million investment, 26 floors, etc.) so that a check can be made for accuracy in subsequent assignments. If participants raise questions about respect for environmental norms, they should be told that Amari hotels has done its own environmental impact assessment and that its project got top marks in that assessment. 45 Main points of Lesson 2(f): (1) Take notes (2) Don’t rely on handouts; the best, most revealing information (at press conferences or anywhere) usually isn’t pre-packaged (3) Ask clear, concise questions. Don’t make speeches, and don’t make accusations, when asking a question. Avoid double-barreled questions. (4) Don’t get distracted by dramatic “red herrings”; figure out what’s really important and focus on that. (5) If someone identifies himself as an “official” in a ministry, get his precise title. (6) What’s wrong with a company doing an environmental impact assessment on its own project? Be alert to conflicts of interest