Journalists urged to dig deeper in their reporting

Reporters are sling shots in the hands of society, amidst rising levels of crime and corruption, and a Trinidadian legal activist has challenged reporters to dig deeper in their reporting.{{more}}

Attorney Anand Ramlogan is quickly developing a reputation in the twin island Caribbean state as a young attorney willing to take on cases that many may shy away from: in the interest of human rights, and to fight against political victimization.

Ramlogan was speaking at the Commonwealth Press Union (CPU) organized one week course in Investigative Journalism, which started on Monday, January 21st, at the Trinidad Express training room, in Port of Spain, Trinidad.

Seventeen senior reporters from around the region, including Searchlight’s Kirby Jackson, gathered for the course, which is being facilitated by Ian Cobain, chief reporter of the Guardian newspaper in London and coordinated by veteran regional journalist Lennox Grant.

“What you write and what you record can have a ripple effect,” Ramlogan said as he delivered his presentation last Monday.

He said because of the nature of politics, it was crucial that reporters keep politicians honest, and not allow them to forget what they say; the well oiled promises that they make.

“The job of the politician is to bob and weave,” Ramlogan, who is also a respected newspaper columnist, said. “The media’s job is to make sure that they hit their heads as they bob and weave,” he continued.

He said that reporters must make a note of following these promises, keeping them on the front burner, especially with regard to social issues, and when they are in response to critical issues.

He also stressed the importance of embracing social issues, saying: “A good journalist can take a simple issue and convert it into a cause.”