All the Presidents’ Men (1976) tells the true story of an international scandal (famously known as “Watergate Scandal” and the reporters who uncovered it. For your last assessment, you will need to write an essay not more than 350 words in which you do the following:
• (a) discuss the importance of investigative reporting as portrayed in the movie
• (b) discuss the importance of investigative journalism in the South African context by referring to instances where South African journalist exposed a scandal that involved the government or people in power
• (c) discuss what you have learnt from the movie and how it may benefit your journalism career.
In the movie "All the Presidents' Men," the importance of investigative reporting is emphasised through the portrayal of the Watergate Scandal. The film showcases the crucial role played by journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein in uncovering the truth behind the scandal, ultimately leading to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. Investigative reporting is portrayed as a vital component of a functioning democracy, as it ensures transparency and accountability in government.
In the South African context, investigative journalism has also been instrumental in exposing scandals involving the government or people in power. A notable example is the Gupta scandal, where South African journalists played a crucial role in uncovering the corrupt relationship between the Gupta family and high-ranking government officials. Through their investigative reporting, journalists helped expose the extent of state capture and brought the issue to the public's attention. This led to widespread outrage and eventually, the resignation of then-President Jacob Zuma.
The movie "All the Presidents' Men" has taught me several valuable lessons that can benefit my journalism career. Firstly, it has highlighted the importance of persistence and determination in investigative reporting. Woodward and Bernstein faced numerous obstacles and threats throughout their investigation, but their determination to seek the truth was unwavering. This has inspired me to be persistent and tenacious in my own investigative journalism work.
Secondly, the movie has underscored the significance of teamwork in investigative reporting. Woodward and Bernstein worked together, relying on each other's strengths and providing support when needed. The film showcased the power of collaboration in uncovering the truth. As a journalist, I have learned the importance of building strong professional relationships and collaborating with colleagues to enhance the effectiveness of investigative reporting.
Lastly, "All the Presidents' Men" has highlighted the importance of accurate and thorough fact-checking. Woodward and Bernstein meticulously verified their information before publishing their stories, ensuring that they had reliable sources and evidence. This serves as a reminder of the ethical responsibility of journalists to provide accurate and truthful information to the public.
In conclusion, "All the Presidents' Men" portrays the importance of investigative reporting in both the international and South African contexts. It has taught me valuable lessons about the importance of persistence, teamwork, and fact-checking in my journalism career. By applying these lessons, I hope to contribute to promoting transparency and accountability in my future investigative reporting work.