A central issue in this examination is to assess the extent to which media professionals are able and willing to assume their role as a “fourth power”: criticism and control of illegitimate power by means of appropriate research. The perception of the media as watchdogs or “attack dogs” fighting against abuse of power and corruption has long been a part of journalistic self-image. However, there is no distinct culture of investigative journalism in Switzerland.
On the other hand, it seems undisputed that sustaining journalistic quality is predicated on meticulous research and, requires careful and elaborate work. This places limits on research in everyday professional life. Every newsroom must think carefully about how to use the scarce resources available. It is true that research techniques have been developed and furthered in newsrooms. However, the companies, associations, and administrative offices, that possess important information at their disposal, also make efforts to preclude journalistic access and possible scandal in the event of unpleasant or problematic incidents. In addition, state institutions and private sector organisations try to develop and maintain a positive public image by means of media monitoring and continuous public relations. Due to the growing importance of social media, not only business enterprises, associations, and administrations, but also civil society groups have begun to communicate more directly with their customers instead of maintaining a dialogue via the daily media.
On the basis of our discussions with media professionals, investigative and research journalism in Switzerland did not reflect a daily struggle against the illegitimate exercise of power by outstanding institutions and organisations in a liberal society. Investigative journalism critical of power cannot be seen as the measure of an average standard, but has a permanent, even if not prominent, place in newsrooms. Daily journalism in particular focuses on topics that are on the agenda of political, economic, cultural, and social institutions and organisations and are usually produced about, through, and even within them. Additional research by media professionals often does not always serve as checks of power, but also maintains and asserts it. Economically and socially well-established institutions and organisations often find allies in newsrooms who willingly and uncritically convey messages to their “clients”, as they are not able or willing to take their own, journalistic or foreign view of the topic. However, since editorial offices are only occasionally able to present or critically address all stakeholders with their objectives and interests, the challenges less prominent groups having a voice or receiving attention have become even more acute. In other words, the growing organisation of civil society means that less journalistic personnel and less journalistic spaces are available.
It is true that there is a certain journalistic and entrepreneurial desire to do more investigative work, devote more time and professional resources to important stories that can become scandals, and make big impacts in the public eye. However, most editorial offices have neither sufficient personnel nor financial resources for long-term and sustainable investigative journalism. After all, the Tages-Anzeiger and SRG SSR have permanently established research teams, while the CH Media Group dispenses with this measure. Overall, however, availability of reporters who have the necessary resources and indispensable know-how over time and who also enjoy the institutional backing to carry out investigative journalism effectively and efficiently is likely to decline.
