Journalists at the Forefront of Corporate Governance Reporting: The Story that Lies Beneath

Good journalists can spot a good story even in the most innocuous press release. While the phrase “corporate governance” doesn’t set off any alarm bells, what about: fraud, theft, waste, incompetence, nepotism, abuse of power, conflict of interest, or corruption? These terms light a fire under journalists, because they may lead to exclusive, groundbreaking stories that are the essence of good journalism.

As a new media guide by the International Finance Corporation and the International Center for Journalists notes, not all corporate governance stories are about scandals, however. They can be about heroes and visionaries, about brilliant ideas and charismatic leaders, about men and women who build great fortunes by giving the world new products and services that improve lives.

Governance, at its heart, provides the direction for a company, family-owned business or state-owned enterprise. Guidelines, standards, and best practices established worldwide define what constitutes good governance, and a savvy business journalist quickly learns the difference between good governance and bad. Both can lead to great stories. Both are essential to promoting transparency and accountability in emerging democracies.

In this discussion, panelists will examine the media’s role as a watchdog, what constitutes good practice, and how reporting on corporate governance fits into overall development, democracy, and governance efforts.

1910

National Endowment for Democracy

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2013-02-25 07:55:46

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