Abstract

CSJ-14-0053.0 This case chronicles the challenges of reporting on corruption in an authoritarian society. It considers the role of technology in today’s investigative reporting. It also looks at the role that government-financed news organizations like Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) can play globally. Khadija Ismayilova is an Azerbaijani journalist who was trained in accountability journalism by Western practitioners. After a career in the Azerbaijan media, she went to work for RFE/RL. In 2010, she published a first story exposing the questionable business dealings of the Azerbaijani president and his family. A second story followed in 2011. Then in March 2012, while researching yet another expose, Ismayilova received in the mail graphic photos of herself and her boyfriend, taken by a videocamera concealed in her bedroom. A cover letter threatened her if she persisted in her reporting. The case stops as Ismayilova debates what her options are: remain silent or respond and, if the latter, how?

Use this case to provoke a classroom discussion about what it means to practice “Western”-style journalism in authoritarian or repressive countries. Ask students to put themselves in Ismayilova’s shoes as she confronts the threat of public humiliation and professional ruin. She is not only a well-known print journalist, but hosts a popular radio program. What price must reporters pay to exercise their craft? What constitutes justifiable risk? Students should also consider the contribution of Western government-financed news outlets in a society like Azerbaijan. Is the BBC a news organization like any other? Is RFE/RL? What are the pros/cons of its existence? Finally, consider Ismayilova’s case as part of a global explosion in investigative journalism. How does technology help/hurt investigative reporters? What tools are newly available?

Use this case in a course/class on investigative reporting, international reporting, ethics or data journalism.

Credits:

This case was written by Kirsten Lundberg, Director, for the Case Consortium @ Columbia. The faculty sponsor was Prof. Sheila Coronel of the Graduate School of Journalism. (0414)