The Rise of Contextual Journalism: Why ‘Explains’ is the Future of News
Sky News’ relaunch of its “Explains” series, fronted by investigative journalist Olive Enokido-Lineham, signals a broader shift in how news is consumed and understood. In a media landscape saturated with information, simply reporting *what* happened is no longer enough. Audiences are increasingly demanding to know *why* it happened and the historical and political context surrounding events.
From Verification to Deep Dives: Olive Enokido-Lineham’s Journey
Enokido-Lineham’s background is particularly relevant to this trend. Prior to leading “Explains,” she specialized in verification and open-source investigations (OSINT). This skillset – honed through investigations into conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, and Syria – is crucial for navigating the complexities of modern information warfare and misinformation. Her perform on the documentary Escaping Putin demonstrates a commitment to uncovering the human stories behind complex geopolitical events.
The Power of Long-Form Analysis
The “Explains” series’ focus on long-form content is a deliberate move away from the soundbite culture that often dominates news cycles. This allows for a more nuanced and comprehensive exploration of topics. The inaugural episode, examining how Donald Trump reshaped the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, exemplifies this approach. By analyzing footage, data, and interviewing key figures like former ICE acting director John Sandweg, alongside correspondents Mark Stone and Martha Kelner, the series aims to provide a holistic understanding of the issue.
ICE as a Case Study: The Need for Historical Context
The choice of ICE as the first subject is telling. The agency has been consistently in the news, but its origins and evolution are often overlooked. Enokido-Lineham’s investigation delves into the agency’s history – noting it’s over 20 years old – and explores how Trump’s policies impacted its tactics and funding. This contextualization is vital for understanding the current debates surrounding immigration policy and enforcement.
OSINT and the Future of Investigative Reporting
Enokido-Lineham’s expertise in OSINT is a key indicator of where investigative journalism is headed. The ability to verify information from open sources, geolocate videos, and analyze data is becoming increasingly essential for uncovering the truth. Her previous investigation into the killing of five-year-old Hind Rajab in Gaza, detailed on LinkedIn, showcases this methodology. She used press releases and geolocated videos to challenge initial reports and reveal the presence of Israeli army units nearby.
The Correspondent Network: Global Perspectives
The series’ reliance on Sky News correspondents around the world – like Mark Stone in Washington D.C. And Martha Kelner, who reported on the shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis – highlights the importance of on-the-ground reporting. Local knowledge and firsthand accounts are critical for providing accurate and insightful coverage.
Beyond the Headlines: Trends in Contextual Journalism
Data-Driven Storytelling
Expect to see more journalists incorporating data analysis into their reporting, similar to Enokido-Lineham’s approach with ICE. Visualizations and interactive data sets can help audiences understand complex trends and patterns.
Verification as a Core Skill
With the rise of deepfakes and misinformation, verification skills will be paramount. Journalists will need to be adept at using OSINT tools and techniques to authenticate information.
Collaborative Journalism
Complex investigations often require collaboration between journalists, researchers, and experts. Expect to see more cross-border reporting projects and partnerships.
FAQ
Q: What is OSINT?
A: Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) is the practice of collecting and analyzing information from publicly available sources.
Q: What is the focus of the Sky News Explains series?
A: The series focuses on providing in-depth context and analysis of complex topics.
Q: Who is Olive Enokido-Lineham?
A: Olive Enokido-Lineham is an investigative journalist at Sky News specializing in verification and open-source investigations.
Q: What was Olive Enokido-Lineham’s previous work?
A: She investigated the war in Gaza, verified videos from Ukraine and Syria, and produced the documentary Escaping Putin.
Did you know? Olive Enokido-Lineham can be contacted on Signal at oe_39.73.
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