Heinemann Media

Tom Heinemann – a view on critical, investigative journalism. Today, it’s hard to see the differences between reports across the whole range of the media. The fragmented nature of news reporting creates the impression that tenacious, in depth and critical reporting is long gone. My experience is, that only a handful of a few editors are prepared to invest the necessary time in long-term investigations. A s a self-employed journalist with more than 30 years experience, however, I have specialized in investigative, in-depth journalism – and it works! Applying for access to public documents – hidden or long forgotten – or the systematic use of CAR (Computer Assisted Reporting) can contribute towards un-covering critical conditions in the society, at home and abroad. As an independent journalist, I feel that I have an obligation to be like the “stone in the shoe” – constantly asking penetrating questions about decisions made by powerful public or private institutions and individuals. Journalism is a privilege, where you can sometimes talk on behalf of large groups in society or get the opportunity to describe the consequences of an individual man or woman, where previous or upcoming decisions have left them without hope, a voice, or any belief in their future. That is a privilege – and that is what drives me.