Food and cooking videos dominate social media, with 43% of Instagram users ranking food and drink as their top interest. However, much of this content focuses on entertainment rather than addressing critical issues in our food systems.
At the iMEdD International Journalism Forum 2024 in Athens, a panel titled "Bringing Investigative Journalism into Food Lifestyle Media," moderated by Thin Lei Win from Lighthouse Reports, explored how to bridge this gap. The panelists discussed innovative ways to connect food lifestyle content with investigative reporting, emphasizing the need to engage audiences with the complex realities of agriculture, environment, and industry practices.
For instance, Tessa Pang highlighted a collaboration that investigated the meat industry's lobbying efforts against animal welfare legislation in the EU. By linking the story to ethical shopping choices, they engaged consumers on a relatable level. Silvia Lazzaris shared her success in using social media to uncover the connections between industry lobbyists and the scientific research they promote, reaching a younger audience and sparking interest in food politics.
Miriam Wells explained how The Examination’s investigation into food companies manipulating dietitians was strategically published in the “Well + Being” section of The Washington Post, effectively merging investigative journalism with lifestyle content.
The panel concluded by stressing the importance of dignity in food reporting, encouraging journalists to explore the power dynamics within food systems without shaming consumers. By harnessing creative storytelling, we can inspire broader conversations around the complexities of our food choices and their impact on society.
For more insights from the panel discussion, check out the full article by Alexa van Sickle from GIJN here
