Investigative journalism is thriving, but as freelance reporter Jose Miguel Calatayud highlighted at the iMEdD International Journalism Forum 2024, it often seems that the primary audience for these stories is other journalists. The challenge? Reaching and engaging a broader public.
In his presentation, Calatayud explored how creative formats can break through barriers of news avoidance, where people shy away from investigative reports because they are too complex, uncomfortable, or time-consuming. He emphasized that creative storytelling methods, such as comics, theater, and virtual reality, can spark curiosity and engage audiences in new and powerful ways.
Calatayud shared his experiences, discussing formats like satirical guides, board games, and even live theater performances, which offer innovative ways to present investigative stories. He acknowledged the challenges — creative projects require extra time, money, and planning — but stressed the potential to reach new, diverse audiences.
The takeaway? Investigative journalists must experiment with creative formats to capture public interest and foster engagement. Editors and funders should be open to supporting these efforts, as they may offer the best storytelling tools for the job.
For more insights from Calatayud’s presentation, check out the full article by Alexa van Sickle from GIJN here
