Award-winning investigative reports produced by journalists in eastern European countries such as Ukraine, Moldova and Romania have reached the news stands in recent years with support from SCOOP, a network established by IMS in 2003 in cooperation with local journalists and the Danish Association of Investigative Journalism (FUJ)

In 2003 International Media Support undertook to establish SCOOP, a support network for investigative reporters, in close cooperation with a group of journalists in Ukraine and the Danish Association of Investigative Journalism (FUJ). The project was set in motion after a call for help from Ukrainian journalists who knew the methods of investigative reporting but who could not afford the time or the money to embark on long-term investigations.

A success in the making

Today, SCOOP is a success beyond everyone's expectations operating in a number of countries and hosting a network for investigative journalists in eastern and south-eastern Europe. The overall objective of SCOOP is to enable media to act as watchdogs in society scrutinizing public actions by governments and groups in society with vested-interests.

Several investigations supported by SCOOP have lead to direct action taken by local or national authorities to address the issues raised publicly by investigative reporters. In Bulgaria a SCOOP investigation was published on the property of the candidates running for local election. After the story was published, a national law was introduced obliging all candidates to reveal their properties.

SCOOP reporters win awards

Stories supported by SCOOP have been awarded with national or international journalism awards. The prizes have enormous importance as they contribute to promoting the journalists and investigative reporting as role models and SCOOP as a network for setting new standards among media professionals.

SCOOP offers support to qualified individual media practitioners who submit proposals for investigative stories. The support provided includes either full or partial funding covering salaries, travel, accommodation, access to information and databases, laboratory tests, translation, expert assistance, legal screening and other expenses related to carry out a proper investigation. Funding through SCOOP is primarily based on an assessment of the quality of the idea for the investigation presented by the journalist.

The backbone of the support structure is formed by the regional committee that approves and monitors investigations. At national level, coordinators coach and supervise the local journalists and are responsible for collecting receipts and finalizing and sending the financial reports to IMS.

IMS has the overall financial responsibility. Funds are transferred directly by IMS to the partners in the region where they are managed according to the budget approved by IMS and FUJ.