Conceptualising Innovation Through a Cultural Model: Arab Investigative Journalism

Abstract

This paper explores the impact of specific social and cultural contexts on understanding and initiating innovation in investigative journalism training and practice in the Arab world. Historically, Arab journalism practice and training has taken on a Western model of operation as it is regarded as an ideal model of journalism practice in the region, however, this is slowly changing to suit an Arab media ecology. Today, in a digital journalism environment, there is still no efficient culturally appropriate model for Arab journalists to work in. Through an observation analysis of training sessions and interviews with Arab investigative reporters in 2013 and 2019, this paper will address the challenges facing the development of an Arab culture of investigative journalism, whilst also discussing the innovative methods Arab journalists are experimenting with in light of these challenges.