Scoops and Scams

By ALASTAIR TURNER

UCLan’s series of Harris Lectures continued with the visit of investigative journalist Andrew Jennings.  Students from across the university’s wide range of journalism courses  were treated to an animated and lively talk about what it takes to be an investigative journalist.

Andrew drew on his years of experience to guide students through the challenges that journalists face to bring in a good story, and the pitfalls which await those who do not try to achieve these goals. He challenged students to ‘have the courage to have an attitude’ and encouraged them to go out and find stories by looking where others are not.

With a wealth of knowledge at his disposal Andrew covered many of the bigger issues in today’s media including the devastation in Haiti and the media reaction. He also went into detail on some of his more famous campaigns including the work he did to unearth  corruption and greed in major sporting institutions such as FIFA and the IOC, showing the students some of the techniques he used to ‘doorstop’ those involved.

Andrew also used the time to tell students about alternative press and the difference between the public face and private reality of major organisations. As well as providing a highly entertaining and insightful lecture Andrew  stayed behind to talk to a group of students who grilled him on such subjects as blood doping in athletics and the sensationalism of modern media.

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