Global investigative journalism festival convenes in Vilnius

Vilnius is set to become a hub for global investigative journalism as LRT, in collaboration with the Lithuanian Journalism Centre, hosts the third International Investigative Journalism Festival. The event will convene leading figures from around the world to share their expertise and insights.

Keynote speakers include award-winning author and disinformation expert Nina Jankowicz from the US, and Jane Lytvynenko, an investigative journalist for NBC News known for her reporting on the Russia-Ukraine war. Their participation underscores the festival's focus on critical contemporary issues, including the methods used to expose complex corruption schemes and the challenges posed by disinformation.

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Investigative journalism is currently on the rise globally, not only because it can uncover a lot of intriguing information hidden from the public and expose complicated corruption schemes. As the world order we are used to crumbles, the work of investigative journalists reminds us that a value system exists and that black is not white.

Discussions during the festival will delve into the investigative techniques employed to uncover Russian hybrid operations in foreign countries and the Kremlin's strategic plans concerning the Baltic region and beyond. "Investigative journalism is currently on the rise globally, not only because it can uncover a lot of intriguing information hidden from the public and expose complicated corruption schemes," said Indrė Makaraitytė, head of LRT's investigative department. "As the world order we are used to crumbles, the work of investigative journalists reminds us that a value system exists and that black is not white."

The prestigious "GlobalFact" conference, for which Delfi competed globally, is also part of the festival. Delfi's "Melo detektorius" (Lie Detector) has a long history of combating disinformation. Rasa Lukaitytė-Vnarauskienė, Delfi's chief editor, emphasized the vital importance of fact-checking skills for Lithuania, given its proximity to Russia. "Disinformation, fake news, propaganda – these are relevant topics worldwide, but for us, living next to an aggressively inclined Russia, which constantly spreads enormous amounts of lies, misleading information, and sows discord in society, the ability and skills to check facts become a truly vital issue," she stated. The festival will include practical workshops, allowing participants to apply newly acquired knowledge, fostering dialogue between fact-checkers, communication specialists, and public servants from various European Union institutions.

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Disinformation, fake news, propaganda – these are relevant topics worldwide, but for us, living next to an aggressively inclined Russia, which constantly spreads enormous amounts of lies, misleading information, and sows discord in society, the ability and skills to check facts become a truly vital issue.