Trends in the Arab Investigative Reporting: The Role of Investigative Reporting in Political Reform in the Arab World

Abstract

The importance of investigative journalism stems from its roles, such as making severe decisions regarding political reforms, officials' accountability, and increasing credibility. Therefore, investigative reporting aims to reveal corruption and inappropriate behavior in the government, non-government facilities, or publishing hidden news. Furthermore, the role of investigative journalism can also be an element of pressure on the authorities to make deterrent or decisive decisions. This paper examines the role of investigative reporting in making reforms despite the Arabian regimes' strict control of the media system. The researchers interviewed three prominent and qualified Arabian investigative journalists who have conducted several investigations and won local and global awards for their hard work. This paper found that Arab investigative reporters face challenges that are more problematic and difficult than the barriers for foreign journalists. Furthermore, there is no suitable working environment for investigative journalists in the Arab world because of the strict state control. That does not mean there is no investigative journalism, but that means Arabian investigative journalists face a lot of additional pressure at work. Non-profit and  Journal Of Afro-Asian Studies ------- The nineteenth issue of November 2023 -------  Democratic Arab Center For Strategic, Political & Economic Studies Berlin / Germany 103 foreign media organizations with Arabic versions, such as BBC, assist Arab journalists in investigating and distributing their investigations. Moreover, this paper found that some heads of Arab states gain traction and popularity for their intervention in making reforms. Still, most of these interventions are temporary reactions, and corruption reappears once the direct intervention has concluded. Ultimately, rulers in the Arab world carefully know that freedom of the press is one of the most sacred constitutional rights, but it is no longer than ink on paper. However, they still make some decisions unless the investigators directly attack them and their policies.