Carlos Eduardo Huertas, investigations editor at Colombia’s Semana magazine, talks about the traits of a good investigative journalist, and why it is essential to stick on a story.
What do you consider some of the most important lessons you have learned over the years?
“You should know who you’re working for and why you’re working. Problems arise when it’s not values such as those of democracy that move you, or if you are doubtful about the fact that citizens are the reason why we do what we do.”
What is the biggest threat to investigative reporting?
There are many, but I would like to highlight how ephemeral agendas are as a result of the immediacy of this age. We need to follow important themes, bear with them and do not drop them. Change only happens this way.
Huertas also stresses the importance of a clear investigative methodology and the use of digital tools to tackle large amounts of data. Read the full interview in ICIJ’s “Secrets from the Masters“.