“Core principles of journalism must remain constant, irrespective of technological change”

James LeMay, U.S. media consultant and former CNN editor

“It’s important for professional journalists to remember that our role is not merely to entertain, but to inform”

During a recent visit to Mauritius, James LeMay, veteran media consultant and former CNN editor, led a workshop on critical journalism as part of the U.S. State Department’s ECA Speaker Program. In this conversation with BIZWEEK, drawing on decades of newsroom leadership – from covering global conflicts to managing CNN’s live reporting during 9/11 – LeMay shared deep insights on truth and disinformation, the need for balanced reporting, and the evolving role of journalists in the digital age. What hasn’t changed, he argues, is that “journalism must make a difference in people’s lives”

In your opinion, what are the non-negotiable principles of effective investigative journalism?

Based on my experience – both from years in the field and now working as a media consultant with organisations worldwide – I believe that certain core principles must remain constant, regardless of changes in technology or platforms.

First and foremost is truthfulness. Even when it is uncomfortable, inconvenient, or unpopular, journalists must remain committed to reporting the truth. Our role is to serve the public, not ourselves, our employers, or any specific interest group. This requires us to think constantly about the people we represent – our readers, viewers, and listeners – and to put their need for accurate information first.

Secondly, balance is essential. It’s very easy in today’s polarised environment to fall into one-sided narratives. But good journalism requires us to present the full picture – with context and the inclusion of multiple perspectives – so that audiences can make informed decisions for themselves. We must remain open-minded, even when reporting on subjects or individuals with whom we may personally disagree. Without balance, we risk becoming advocates instead of journalists.

Journalists often rely on state sources, such as the police, who may have their own agendas. How should reporters approach such sources?

Sourcing is always a delicate aspect of journalism. If your source is the architect of a policy, then of course their perspective is valuable. However, transparency is key. Audiences today expect us to provide more than just quotes – they want to understand who the source is, their background, and potential motivations.

If a source has a political or personal agenda, we must make that clear to readers. Likewise, we should challenge any one-sided version of events. If a source is the only one with first-hand knowledge, then their contribution is justified – but in most cases, corroboration from multiple sources is needed to ensure accuracy. One unchallenged voice is not sufficient.

How has social media and the 24-hour news cycle affected investigative journalism?

The speed of news today is astonishing. Twenty years ago, newsrooms could control when to publish. Now, audiences expect instant updates, and that creates enormous pressure.

Unfortunately, this race to be first can sometimes undermine accuracy. I always advise journalists: “Don’t be first – be right.” It’s better to take the time to check facts, even if it means publishing later. If you lose credibility with your audience by making mistakes, it is very difficult to regain that trust.

We increasingly see online misinformation, harassment of journalists, and even violence. How do you view this global trend?

It’s a serious concern. Disinformation is the root of much of this problem. With so much false or misleading information circulating, it can be very difficult for the public to know what to believe.

Interestingly, during COVID-19, we saw a significant return of trust in local journalism. People realised they needed reliable information about what was happening in their own communities – something social media or distant sources couldn’t provide.

Journalists now face a critical task: not only must they debunk falsehoods, but they must also educate audiences about how misinformation is created and spread. Ignoring disinformation is no longer an option – if we don’t confront it, it risks becoming accepted as truth.

Locally, journalists often face anonymous online attacks. How should they respond?

I’ve worked with teams that specialise in tracking and exposing disinformation campaigns. Once false narratives are out there, journalists must respond actively – fact-check them, explain why they are false, and reveal how they were created.

Transparency is key. Show the audience the mechanisms behind the falsehoods. If we stay silent, false information fills the vacuum and risks becoming entrenched. We now have software tools and methods to help identify and combat disinformation – but the responsibility still rests with journalists and editors to act.

The traditional press is in decline worldwide. Is there still a future for print journalism?

There is still strong public demand for credible news – but the format is evolving. Whether print, online, or mobile doesn’t matter as much as the quality of the content.

We are in what I call the “era of shareable content.” People want to read stories that they feel compelled to share with others. If journalism doesn’t provide that kind of value – if it isn’t accurate, insightful, and relevant – then it risks losing relevance, regardless of the platform.

So, the future of journalism lies not in whether print survives, but whether we can produce content that audiences trust and value enough to share.

“We must remain open-minded, even when reporting on subjects or individuals with whom we may personally disagree”

What could help sustain independent journalism?

Monetisation is a constant challenge for independent journalism. Platforms like YouTube offer opportunities for journalists to build subscriber communities and generate revenue. Of course, I’m cautious about government funding, as it can sometimes compromise editorial independence. If it’s done, the terms must be extremely clear to preserve that independence.

Ultimately, journalists need to meet audiences where they are – often on digital platforms – and explore diverse revenue models to sustain their work.

How would you assess the media landscape here in Mauritius?

It’s an exciting and evolving landscape. There’s strong coverage of politics, culture, tourism, and business – all key pillars of the country’s identity and growth.

I see the local media as being at different stages of maturity – in some respects still developing, but in others quite sophisticated.

As Mauritius continues to grow and attract global attention, it will be vital for its media to maintain independence and continue holding those in power accountable, while also highlighting the positive. Not all politicians or officials are corrupt; many do valuable public service. Journalists must strive for balance, giving credit where it’s due, as well as exposing wrongdoing.

How can investigative journalism support democracy?

It plays a vital role. Today’s audiences no longer want just long, in-depth reports published once a year. They also want daily journalism that applies critical thinking, and stories with context, perspective, and relevance.

So investigative journalism now operates on two levels:

1. Daily critical reporting, where journalists dig deeper and ask more questions about the stories of the day.
2. Long-form investigations, which still have an important place, especially for systemic issues.

Both forms are essential to helping citizens make informed choices, which is the foundation of any democracy.

What is your assessment of journalism worldwide?

It’s definitely under pressure. There are now countless influencers and content creators presenting themselves as journalists – often without the same editorial standards.

It’s important for professional journalists to remember that our role is not merely to entertain, but to inform. This requires rigour, ethics, and a clear distinction from the more superficial content circulating online.

Could you share a bit about your career?

I started as an overnight photographer and reporter, working those tough shifts where you really learn about human nature.

Later, I moved into management and spent 14 years at CNN, covering major global events, from tsunamis to wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, to Hurricane Katrina. I managed live coverage, deployed crews, and made editorial decisions in real time, sometimes seven days a week.

One of the defining moments of my career was covering 9/11. I was CNN’s DC Bureau Chief at the time, and I’ll never forget standing on the rooftop overlooking the White House as the events unfolded. Moments like that remind you that journalism is about documenting history in the making.

You’ve also been involved in military-related charity work.

Yes. My family has a strong military background. We created “Battle Saint” bracelets to raise funds for PTSD clinics on U.S. Army bases. It became a very successful initiative, raising millions of dollars. Though the intensity of the conflicts has lessened, we continue to support efforts around PTSD and TBI (traumatic brain injury) care for service members.

What did Mauritian journalists take away from this workshop?

The idea was to spark curiosity and to encourage them to explore new ways of working, whether it’s using AI tools or adopting different editorial approaches, so that they can evolve as professionals.

Ultimately, journalists need to feel that they are making a valuable contribution to their communities.

What is your view on the use of AI in journalism?

AI can be helpful – for example, in formatting and enhancing content – but human editorial judgment must always remain central. AI tools can support our work, but they cannot replace the journalist’s role in deciding what to publish, how to frame it, and ensuring accuracy and fairness. We must not allow algorithms to dictate editorial decisions.

Any final reflections on your visit to Mauritius?

The U.S. State Department has been very supportive of journalism and press freedom around the world, and I appreciated their invitation.

I studied Mauritius before coming, and I’m very impressed by its progress. There are important stories to be covered here – from climate change to gender equality to youth and drug issues.

Journalists have an essential role in exploring these topics and helping their communities address them. At its core, journalism is about making a positive difference in people’s lives through accurate and courageous reporting.