INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM AND CORPORATE ACCOUNTABILITY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS PROGRESS (SDG 16)

Abstract

The study investigates the intersection problem of where investigative journalism and corporate accountability belong in the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals with particular emphasis on the SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. Watchdog protection brings in the element of investigative journalism by revealing corruption, dishonesty and defaults in political decisions hence keeping companies and states accountable and ethical. Corporations perform a twofold function in one of the sustainable development, since they are not only the leading forces in the economic rise but also the potential violators of the social and environmental justice. However, with the investigations of malpractices such as greenwashing and involving depression in sweatshops and financial mismanagement, not only does investigative journalism reveal the disparity between the statements and actions of the company but it also bully the company into participating in less greedy ways of governing themselves. Despite the censorship, politics and intimidations of journalists, investigative reporting enhances the presence of the democratic institutions and promote the cause of justice thereby becoming an obligation that governs corporate contributions to sustainable developments.