Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, in collaboration with Al Jazeera Centre for Studies, is organising a scientific conference in the Moroccan city of Fes set to take place on the 4th and 5th of December 2024, titled “Investigative Journalism and Scientific Research Methodology in Covering Wars and Conflicts”. The conference aims to highlight the role of investigative journalism in covering conflicts and wars, and address the challenges faced by media outlets in maintaining professional principles amidst political polarisation and competition among international powers.
The conference comes at a time of ethical crises in media and the growing political and ideological polarisation on the global stage, making adherence to professional journalism standards a significant challenge. This challenge is further exacerbated by the conflicting agendas of international powers and the competing interests of major media institutions, leading to the spread of fake news and targeted propaganda that serves the parties in conflict and promotes biased narratives. Thus, investigative journalism as a tool for uncovering and documenting crimes and violations with professionalism and objectivity is essential, contributing to the guiding of public opinion away from misinformation and biased discourses.
The conference will emphasise the role of investigative journalism in revealing crimes and violations on the international stage. This type of journalism, which relies on scientific research principles and tools, can help deliver facts to the public and document crimes in support of justice. Investigative journalists, who document events, analyse evidence and scrutinise sources, become objective witnesses to historical events, making them key players in protecting individuals' right to knowledge.
The conference will address several issues related to the ethics and methods of investigative journalism, with its primary goals including:
- Reviewing professional challenges in fact-checking amidst competing international agendas and conflicting media interests
- Discussing the ethics of investigative journalism and evaluating the media's adherence to these standards
- Focusing on the importance of developing educational curricula in investigative journalism and producing qualified professionals
- Highlighting the role of modern technologies, such as artificial intelligence and data journalism, in supporting investigative reporting and documenting conflicts
Moreover, the conference will cover various topics, including legal and ethical considerations in investigative journalism, the importance of research methodology in guiding investigative journalism during conflicts, and the role of artificial intelligence and data journalism in enhancing research and documentation capabilities. Additionally, the conference will discuss the state of investigative journalism in the Arab world, with a focus on successful Arab and global experiences.
Conference sessions will be broadcast on Al Jazeera Mubasher and live-streamed on AJCS’s digital platforms.