Practice and Challenges of Investigative Reporting: the Case of Jimma Fana F.M. 98.1 Radio News.

Abstract

his study mainly focuses on analyzing the application and challenges of investigative reports in news of Jimma Fana F.M 98.1 radio. Qualitative research method is employed for the study. Based on it, in-depth interview with seven journalists and content analysis of twelve investigative news stories that had been broadcasted from January to March 2018 became conducted to get the required data. Watchdog journalism and social responsibility theory became used as theoretical frame work. The findings of the study show that there are investigative reports that are in early age focusing mainly on the failure of good governance, corruption, land issues and wrong doings in every direction. In addition, lack of time for in-depth investigation, refusal of government officials to provide the required documents, lack of professionalism of journalists, lack of legal protection for journalists, lack of budget and transport facility became identified as factors challenging the practice of investigative news in Jimma Fana F.M 98.1.