This page outlines the key-points to remember for cross-border research and was written by Brigitte Alfter, based on her talks at the cij summer school 2009.
East meets West: cross-border reporting and networking as a method
Good stories often do not stop at national borders. Politics, business and crime operate internationally. If we want to be good journalists, we have to work across borders too. One of the best and most enriching ways is to cooperate with good colleagues in a network and publish simultaneously.
the team
Before gathering a team consider the qualifications you need from colleagues in order to achieve the best result for this particular story.
What is the character of the information you need from your partners?
Do you need a close or a loose co-operation?
Will you publish simultaneously, and in which media?
the research
During the research phase: communication, communication, communication, both on a regular basis and if needed in between.
Be aware of cultural differences and differences in journalistic education, ethics and style.
Make very clear agreements.
If there are questions or problems, address them immediately, calmly and with an open mind.
publication
After your story has been published, evaluate the co-operation with your colleagues: what went well, what was difficult, and why.
Cross-border reporting is still pioneering work, speaking about the experience to other journalists will force you to make a proper evaluation and help others to learn from your experience.
Send links of the published articles to websites like some of these below in order to spread the experience of your work.
further information
www.i-scoop.org
www.journalismfund.eu
www.publicintegrity.org/investigations/icij/pages/world/
www.publicintegrity.org/icij
http://centerforinvestigativereporting.org/blogs/category/48
http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/
And a European examples like: http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/bribe/2009/03/sweden-uncovering-the-secret-deals.html
By Brigitte Alfter / July 2009 / CC attribution non-commercial