The Center for Collaborative Investigative Journalism (CCIJ) has announced the launch of Virtual Reality Exhibits aimed at adapting modern technology to journalism investigations published on its platform.

Fola Folayan, Digital Marketing Manager, disclosed this in a statement made available to FIJ on Thursday.

According to CCIJ, the initiative became necessary in view of the accelerated pace of technology and its dynamism in engaging the public.

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The Center for Collaborative Investigative Journalism (CCIJ) is thrilled to announce the CCIJ Virtual Reality Exhibits. This is a new initiative that has the potential to change how audiences engage with investigative journalism.

Spearheaded by Serena Stelitano, the CCIJ’s explorations into Virtual and Augmented Reality (XR) allow for new levels of engagement with our data-driven reportages and striking visuals.

CCIJ has embarked on a mission since 2021 to push the boundaries of traditional journalism by transforming its published investigations into interactive virtual exhibitions in the Ethereum-based virtual world Voxels (formerly cryptovoxels), and later in Spatial.io.

“VR and AR technology offer an entirely new dimension to journalism,” says Serena Stelitano, the initiative’s leader.

“Working closely alongside the Design and Data team, the CCIJ has created a metaverse contribution that is versatile across different platforms, underscoring our dedication to a design that caters to the distinctiveness of every story. Presently, we offer seven virtual experiences, encouraging our audience to engage with the narrative, delve into the data, and explore our carefully curated photo collections within a three-dimensional environment. We’ve also introduced the Geospatial Creator, enabling us to design Augmented Reality data visualizations that can be accessed as an additional layer at the reportage’s specific locations and worldwide”.

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Jeff Kelly Lowenstein, CCIJ Executive Director, echoes Stelitano’s enthusiasm for this project, saying, “In an age where information overload and disinformation are rampant, it’s imperative that journalism finds innovative ways to engage and inform the public. Serena Stelitano’s work is a testament to CCIJ’s commitment to innovation and to delivering stories that resonate deeply with our audience.

The impact of CCIJ’s VR and AR initiative on journalism is expected to be profound. By allowing the audience to immerse themselves in the stories, the initiative aims to bridge the empathy gap and foster a deeper connection with the subjects and issues explored in CCIJ’s investigative work. This is important.

Serena Stelitano believes this approach has the potential to reshape how society consumes news. “We are at a pivotal moment in journalism history, where technology is enabling us to create a more empathetic and informed society. With XR, we can make complex issues accessible and relatable to a wider audience.

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CCIJ’s move into the world of VR and AR technology by fostering deeper engagement, simplifying complex information, expanding its reach, and offering innovative storytelling methods that make investigative journalism more impactful and accessible to a broader audience, aligns with its mission of pursuing investigative journalism that uncovers hidden truths, exposes corruption, and holds power accountable.

Explore the Center for Collaborative Investigative Journalism’s Virtual Rooms in the metaverse here.