The Business Case for Truth: Why Independent Journalism is Essential to Impact Investing

Independent journalism is an essential public good. Operating beyond the control of corporate and political interests, it allows deep coverage of critical issues and must consistently innovate and maintain high editorial standards for survival. It is a cornerstone of transparency, accountability, and informed decision-making, in both the public and private sectors. In addition, independent media must consistently innovate to build trust with audiences and maintain relevance in a rapidly changing media ecosystem, including by testing and adopting new technologies.

Environmental journalism in particular plays a crucial role in uncovering corruption and exposing unsustainable practices in natural resource-dependent industries. With a solutions journalism approach, it can shine a spotlight not only on what doesn’t work but also what does work, why, and what leaders from diverse walks of life are doing about it.

This session will explore the essential role of independent journalism in shaping investments that tackle the biodiversity and climate crises and effective responses to them, considering both the risks and opportunities for investors, and the ever-evolving ecosystem of sustainability standards.

Through practical examples, panelists will delve into:
(a) Some of the latest innovations in journalistic techniques and approaches (such as data journalism, solutions journalism, and working hand-in-hand with Indigenous Peoples and other communities directly affected by the planetary crises);
(b) Real-world impacts of high-quality independent journalism, including related to corporate accountability in resource-dependent industries and related to Indigenous-led conservation; and
(c) How investing in independent journalism contributes to the integrity of impact investing itself.