By Jakub Ciolkosz
A career in investigative journalism is rarely a path lined with roses. “It’s hard to break into the profession,” Paweł admits, but the thrill of uncovering hard evidence and exposing harsh realities keeps him captivated. Yet, to truly embrace this work, one must accept the risks that come with it.
For Paweł Figurski, investigative journalism is never just a job – it’s a relentless pursuit. When I reach out for an interview, he’s anything but idle. After a weekend packed with work, he’s now on a business trip. At Grupa Wirtualna Polska, his reporting requires persistence and a willingness to face the consequences – something he knows all too well. For example, Paweł is currently fighting a lawsuit for exposing Krakow’s audit chief’s domestic abuse. Standing firm in court, he doesn’t waver: “It was worth it. A journalist should always stand with the vulnerable.”
Paweł’s drive for news was evident since childhood. Growing up in a politically conscious home, reading the press was part of daily routines. Even in school, he dreamed of journalism, collaborating with local outlets. “I’ve always strived to be fair and empathetic, even in school – though not all teachers appreciated it”, he recalls. At university, he realized that internships weren’t enough to stand out. After landing a job in ad sales at Gazeta Wyborcza, he persistently requested to join the editorial team. He started modestly, gradually transitioning to high-stakes stories.
Today, Paweł finds his rush where the secrets hide – in investigative journalism, which admittedly, is his favourite branch of journalism. But he rejects labels and he’s not above covering the day-to-day when it matters. And while he’s never felt endangered, investigative journalism doesn’t always reciprocate his kindness. “Not all stories have a happy ending, and most articles face at least the threat of legal action”, he explains, proudly noting that he’s never apologized to the vilified subjects of his stories. Higher-level work is demanding, with little room for certainty. As he puts it, “There’s no way to check everything,” a reality that adds to the pressure. In the final hours before publication, he continues, “It’s always stressful and uncertain.” In addition, politicized workplaces often undermine journalistic impartiality: “During work hours, this shouldn’t matter. Yet, I see many colleagues of mine acting like staffers for a single party.”
Rather than panic, Paweł stays locked in on his craft, letting his work speak for itself, considering the numerous court rulings overturned or ministerial resignations triggered by his reporting. His most rewarding achievement, he says, was collaborating with Jarosław Sidorowicz on The Obajtek Tapes, an award-winning story that shook state media for weeks. “I enjoy working in a team. It provides a greater sense of security when tackling difficult stories”, he reflects. For Paweł, it’s critical to keep a level head, earning sources’ trust without empty promises. “That’s the art of it. The more important stories we publish, the more people come forward with information”, he elaborates. “They see we’re effective and worth trusting.”
His philosophy of success for those equally curious? It’s simple: determination to “Get into a newsroom and to stay there,” humility in understanding that “There’s no need to act like a big shot cause it’s easy to trip up,” and a dash of modesty – “but only a little”. With over a decade-long experience, it’s hard to awaken his optimism. Still, despite occasional doubts, he admits: “I never thought about quitting, though I did wonder if I could do this until retirement, and so far, I haven’t found an answer.”
Biography
| Born in 1990, Żory |
| Based in Krakow |
| Education: University of Silesia in Katowice |
| Career: Agora, Wyborcza, Grupa Wirtualna Polska |
| Recipient of the Grand Press Award (2021) and the Dariusz Fikus Award (2022) |
*photo: private