Citizen Journalism & Grassroots Investigations with Neus Vidal Martí from SEEK Initiative

In this edition of The Intelligence Spotlight, we speak with a journalist and political scientist whose work sits at the intersection of media freedom, access to information, and citizen empowerment. Neus Vidal Martí is the Executive Director of Seek Initiative, a Berlin-based organisation helping people outside traditional media circles investigate matters of public interest.

With a background in investigative journalism, policy advocacy, and academia, Neus has worked across Europe, monitoring media freedom violations and equipping communities with the tools to ask difficult questions. Now, at the helm of Seek, she is building a bridge between grassroots efforts and accountability-driven reporting.

The thread that connects everything: public interest

When asked about the transition from journalism to leading Seek, Neus is quick to clarify — it’s not a transition at all.

“Whatever I’ve done, whether it’s writing, teaching, or managing, the one thing that’s always guided me is a commitment to the public interest,” she explains. “Information doesn’t belong only to journalists. Everyone has the right to access it.”

Before joining Seek, Neus worked at the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom. There, she monitored violations of press freedoms and pushed for stronger policies on media independence and transparency. The skills she brought to Seek reflect a clear continuity — empowering others to investigate, regardless of their job title.

Opening the gates: making investigations inclusive

So what exactly does Seek Initiative do?

“We support community leaders, citizen journalists, and civil society organisations to carry out grassroots investigations,” says Neus. “Our goal is to help them drive change by providing the tools, training, and networks they need.”

The premise is simple but powerful: anyone, with the right support, can become an investigator. Whether it's about the cost of a local hospital, pollution in a river, or council spending — Seek believes these stories matter, especially when traditional media doesn't have the reach.

Each training is tailored. Some participants may need to learn how to file an information request. Others might want help with data analysis, source interviews, or understanding legal frameworks. The focus is not to professionalise everyone but to enable them.

Ethics and credibility in the grassroots space

One obvious challenge of community-led investigations is maintaining credibility.

“This work must be rooted in public interest,” Neus insists. “That’s our baseline. We're not handing out microphones to shout over each other. We’re building networks that encourage collaboration with journalists, civil society organisations, and local newsrooms.”

In her view, citizen investigators have an edge. They are trusted within their communities, speak the local language, and are closer to the issues. But they also need guidance. Seek acts as a bridge, connecting them to those who can help validate their work or bring it to wider audiences.

The most underused tool in democracy

Neus is passionate about one particular mechanism: access to information laws, sometimes known as Freedom of Information Acts (FOIA).

“These laws exist in over 100 countries. They allow any citizen to request data held by public authorities,” she says. “It could be something as basic as asking for hospital waiting times or data on school closures.”

But the problem is visibility and access. Most people don’t know these laws exist, and even fewer use them. Worse still, authorities often ignore requests, delay responses, or invoke false legal exemptions like data protection or national security.

“What’s the point of having a beautiful law on paper if it’s not implemented in practice?” she asks. “We need enforcement mechanisms and citizen education.”

Within Europe, the disparities are glaring. One country might grant access to documents that another country refuses. “We need harmonisation,” she argues. “A common European framework for access to information.”

Sensitive issues, ethical dilemmas, and the role of public interest

Not every transparency demand is straightforward. When does access to information conflict with privacy or ethics? Neus believes the answer lies in one question: is it in the public interest?

“If you're publishing data about a private citizen with no role in public life, the bar is very high,” she says. “But if it's about a public official or a government agency, the context changes.”

That balance, she explains, must be judged case by case — and should always involve a clear risk assessment, especially for those investigating sensitive topics like migration, corruption, or human rights.

Building alliances between citizens and journalists

The future of investigations, according to Neus, is collaborative.

“You can’t do this alone. Journalists, citizens, civil society — all of us have a role. If you're working on something that benefits your community, no matter how small, that’s worth pursuing.”

She advises aspiring investigators to start local. Ask questions about city budgets, public services, or delays in local projects. And keep one principle in mind: “Will this help others understand something better? If yes, go for it.”

Tools and takeaways

Neus encourages beginners to focus on accessible tools first. Google Earth for geolocation. Public databases. Even mastering keyword searches and Google operators can go a long way.

Above all, she urges people not to underestimate the power of curiosity. “You don’t need a press card to ask why something is happening in your community. You just need to care.”