In Video: The Bureau of Investigative Journalism, one year on
When Iain Overton spoke to Journalism.co.uk in April last year the Bureau of Investigative Journalism had just launched.
Its first aim, the managing editor told us, was to ‘rejuvenate investigative journalism where it is failing. So, more than a year in, has this been achieved?
In recent weeks the power of quality investigative journalism by the British press has been expertly illustrated. BBC Panorama’s broadcast just last week, which appeared to show the abuse of patients at a residential hospital, has been widely praised in the industry, referred to by the Guardian as ‘public interest journalism incarnate’.
It also prompted the government to call for a ‘thorough examination’ of the role of the Care Quality Commission and local authorities in the case.
The ability to engage the public in its investigations was precisely the focus of the Bureau of Investigative Journalism when it was set up just over one year ago.
At the helm was Overton, an executive producer from ITN, whose film work over the years has scooped numerous awards, including a Peabody, a OneWorld Media Award and a BAFTA Scotland.
So more than a year later, we were keen to hear Overton’s thoughts on how the industry has developed, and whether the bureau has met its aim of ‘rejuvenation’.
Watch the video above to hear Overton’s comments on what the past year has held and what challenges the bureau, and the industry, is facing in the future.
