There was unanimous agreement among respondents that investigative and watchdog journalism is essential for Austria’s leading news media. Both public and private media companies agree that investigation is the first and noble duty of all journalists. Most of the respondents explained that in their media company and newsroom, investigative reporting is welcome and supported. Several media have established task forces for investigative journalism with members committed to investigate, and they receive financial resources and extra time, if necessary.
Indeed, over the last few years, a good deal of investigative reports have likewise attracted the attention of citizens and politicians. For example, before and after the publication of the infamous Ibiza-video in 2019 – compromising the moral integrity of the former vice-prime minister – journalists launched a series of fact-based accusations against FPÖ. Investigative reporting even managed to unite competing newsrooms in cooperation, publishing findings in a coordinated way.
So far, Austrian news media only occasionally participate in international networks, such as the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists,[i] which collaborate globally in operations such as Offshore Leaks and Panama Papers.
As much as investigative reporting is part of the self-definition of journalists and editors-in-chief, this end is almost inexistent in the mission statements of the media. But journalists confirm that investigation does not need to be codified in Austria – it is self-evident. In a representative survey, journalists described the professional self-perception of their job in the first place to inform (93%), explain (91%), and reflect (88%), but in the second place to criticise (78%; share of respondents who agree totally or predominately; Kaltenbrunner et al., 2020: 253).
[i] https://www.icij.org/
