The Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN) is a group of independent journalism organizations that support the training and sharing of information among journalists in investigative and computer-assisted reporting. GIJN’s aims are to help organize and promote regional and international conferences and workshops; assist in the formation and continuation of journalism organizations involved in investigative reporting and computer-assisted reporting in all countries; support and promote methods of best practices in investigative journalism and computer-assisted reporting; support and promote efforts to ensure free access to public documents and data in every country; and provide resources and networking services for participating groups and investigative journalists. Only non-profit journalism organizations that support investigative or computer-assisted reporting can become members. GIJN is guided by a steering committee composed of one representative from each participating organization, attempting to work through consensus at all times, with votes requiring a three-fourths majority when necessary. The network takes no political, religious, or ideological stances, instead encouraging and coordinating training, resources for training, and networking services, while not conducting investigations itself.
Why it matters: GIJN creates the global infrastructure for investigative journalists to share methods, resources, and training across borders, recognizing that investigative journalism requires collaboration and skill-building rather than isolated reporters working alone. By supporting efforts to ensure free access to public documents and data in every country and assisting in the formation of journalism organizations focused on investigative and computer-assisted reporting worldwide, GIJN addresses the reality that accountability journalism depends on both technical skills and access to information that many governments restrict. The network’s structure as a non-profit coalition taking no political stances while promoting best practices demonstrates that strengthening investigative journalism globally requires coordinated support systems that transcend individual newsrooms and national boundaries.
