On the program

How does investigative journalism uncover human trafficking and structural exploitation—and what does it demand from reporters when powerful economic and political interests are involved? This conversation explores the methods, ethical responsibilities, and legal and personal risks of investigative reporting, as well as the role of media and audiences in confronting systems of abuse.

Two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Martha Mendoza and Finlandia Prize–winning journalist Paavo Teittinen join Käänne to discuss. The conversation is moderated by Kaius Niemi, Chairman of Reporters Without Borders Finland, Deputy CEO of Miltton Group and former editor-in-chief of Helsingin Sanomat.

Martha Mendoza is a two-time Pulitzer Prize–winning American investigative journalist and one of the most influential figures in global investigative reporting. Her work has prompted U.S. congressional hearings, new legislation, Pentagon investigations, and responses from the White House. Mendoza was part of the investigative team whose reporting on slavery in the Thai seafood industry led to the liberation of more than 2,000 men.
Over the course of a 30-year career at the Associated Press, she has reported from Mexico City, Bangkok, Silicon Valley, New York, and New Mexico. In addition to her Pulitzer Prizes, she has received an Emmy Award for the FRONTLINE/PBS investigation Kids Caught in the Crackdown.

Paavo Teittinen is a multi-award-winning Finnish journalist known for his long-form investigations into human trafficking and labour exploitation. He is the author of Pitkä vuoro, a Finlandia Prize–winning non-fiction book that exposes systemic exploitation and human trafficking within Finnish society.
Teittinen’s reporting has played a significant role in uncovering hidden structures of abuse and advancing public debate on exploitation in Finland.

The discussion is enabled by the Helsingin Sanomat Foundation.