Celebrate a victory

The Protection of State Information Bill currently awaiting President Jacob Zuma's signature is a victory for organised citizens' power. It is so much better than the original version the securocrats tabled a couple of years ago in that it signals a setback for what they were trying to achieve: greater control over the flow of information (leaks, in other words) that was troubling and often embarrassing the government.

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Covering the house that Zuma built: Nkandlagate story honoured

City Press's investigation into Nkandlagate won it "Journalist of the Year" at the recent Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards. As Gill Moodie writes in this week's Backstory, the story took a lucky leak, a lot of hard footwork and a willingness to tread on powerful toes.

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Investigative Journalism – Not Only for the Big Shots

A new study has revealed surprisingly strong investigative journalism in independent local papers in three provinces. Almost 60% of the papers analysed contained investigative material, and Limpopo papers did best of all. Lisa Hiemer of the East Cape Communication Forum outlines the study's findings:

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New Indy owner on changing media and what the country needs

Now that Dr Iqbal Survé is the official proprietor-in-waiting of one of the biggest newspaper groups in the country, Independent Newspapers, Journalism.co.za's Gill Moodie caught up with him to find out about his views on the big media issues such as the Info Bill, the changing craft of journalism in our fast-paced, socially networked world and how he wishes to exert his media influence. Perhaps unsurprisingly, he's careful to steer clear of anything controversial. 

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How a small regional paper landed big investigations prize – again

This year's Taco Kuiper Award for investigative journalism went to East London's Daily Dispatch, for a probe into school hostels. In Backstory, Gill Moodie explores how the little paper that can beat the big guys.

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New website aims to separate truth from fiction

A new website is setting out to check the facts in the media and public discussion more generally. For Backstory, Gill Moodie speaks to Africa Check's new editor, investigative journalist and author Julian Rademeyer.

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