The Presidency School of Media Studies (SOMS) organised a masterclass titled “Investigative Journalism: Undercover, Ethics, Risks, and Legal Boundaries” featuring renowned investigative journalist and lawyer Poonam Agarwal. The session offered students first-hand insights into the realities of investigative reporting, examining the ethical responsibilities, legal considerations and personal risks involved in uncovering stories of public interest. Through practical examples and an interactive discussion, participants gained a deeper understanding of journalism's role in promoting transparency, accountability and democratic values.

 

Ms Poonam Agarwal

 

Investigative Journalist, Lawyer and Author

 

Independent Journalist (formerly associated with NDTV, Times Now, India Today, The Quint and BBC World Service)

 

Date of Conduct

 

06 March 2026

 

Duration

 

Approximately 2 hours (Not specified)

 

Mode

 

Offline

 

Venue

 

Presidency University, Bengaluru – Presidency School of Media Studies

 

School

 

Presidency School of Media Studies (SOMS)

 

Target Audience

• Undergraduate and postgraduate students of Media Studies
• School of Law students
• Journalism and Mass Communication students
• Faculty members
• Learners interested in investigative journalism, media ethics and legal reporting

Learning Outcomes

 

Participants were able to:

• Understand the principles and practices of investigative journalism.
• Examine the ethical responsibilities of journalists undertaking undercover investigations.
• Recognise the legal boundaries governing investigative reporting.
• Appreciate the personal and professional risks associated with investigative journalism.
• Develop critical awareness of journalism's role in promoting accountability, transparency and public interest.

Key Topics Covered

• Investigative journalism and undercover reporting
• Ethics in investigative journalism
• Legal boundaries and media law
• Risk management in reporting
• Governance and transparency
• Accountability in journalism
• Public interest reporting
• Challenges in contemporary investigative journalism

Ms Poonam Agarwal is an acclaimed investigative journalist, lawyer and author with more than two decades of experience in investigative reporting. Throughout her career, she has reported extensively on politics, governance, elections, corruption and social justice, working with leading media organisations including NDTV, Times Now, India Today, The Quint and BBC World Service. Her investigative reporting on the Electoral Bonds Scheme brought national attention to issues surrounding political funding and transparency. She is the recipient of several prestigious honours, including the Ramnath Goenka Award for Excellence in Journalism and the CNN-IBN Indian of the Year award. She is also the author of India Inked: Elections in the World's Largest Democracy and is widely recognised for her commitment to ethical, courageous and public-interest journalism.

 

Relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)