Investigative Journalism and Uncovering Corruption in the Iraqi Government: Strategies for Development and Support

Abstract

This study addresses the exercise of investigative reporting to expose government corruption against the backdrop of a volatile Iraqi environment, observing the challenges facing journalists whose vocation and freedom of expression come under ever greater political attack from abroad. Although media pluralism has been increasing in Iraq, organizational capacity shortcomings, workplace safety, and freedom protection for reporters discourage participation levels in investigative reporting. By the use of a mixed-methods design, this research quantifies Iraqi journalists' perceptions concerning the role of investigative reporting in the prevention of corruption, the issues that they face, and areas where they should be improved. From the findings, high perception of the role of investigative reporting in national security and public interest was reported with the identification of significant issues such as interference from government and inadequate resources. The article concludes with recommendations for creating an enabling environment for investigative reporting, including increased training, legal protection, and public campaigns to enable journalists to pursue accountability and truth in Iraq.