News
Ajen publishes a monthly newsletter, called AJENda, to keep colleagues aware of changes to the journalism landscape in Africa from an academic, research and professional point of view.
New Publications in December
Explore our December list of new publications that explore various facets of digital media, communication, social dynamics and other areas related to the African communications and media studies research community. These works cover a variety of topics from the rise of digital and influencer marketing, Nigerian adolescents’ engagement with digital media and research on AI’s impact in Ghana’s public relations sector to social media activism and sports communication.
WJEC congress moved to San Francisco
The 7th World Journalism Education Congress will now be held in San Francisco, in the United States of America, on 8-10 August 2025. The congress which was to be held in Perth, Australia has been moved to the US owing to logistical considerations.
Uptake of the Erasmus+ funding not lacking
The Erasmus+ Networking Forum seeks to correct the impression that the uptake of the available funding was lacking. This follows an article in University World News on 10 October 2024, which reported on a meeting held by the fund in Nairobi on 12-13 September.
Journalism educators and students join forces
The Journalism Students Network of Africa has joined the African Journalism Education Network. The move brings together teachers and students, both working to improve the teaching of journalism on the African continent.
What should a war journalist know? Israeli experts reveal the secrets of the profession
What should journalists know? This question has been bothering the media community for a long time. Is it enough for journalists to have only professional skills, or do they need additional knowledge? This is exactly what a new study by Israeli scientists from Ben-Gurion University, which they recently presented at the 10th ECREA European Communication Conference in Ljubljana, is about.
EJO @ECREA: Exchange between research, practice and students
How can closer collaboration between researchers, students and practitioners in the field of journalism strengthen the industry? The European Journalism Observatory (EJO) has been operating at this interface for 20 years. To mark this year’s anniversary, representatives from all three groups came together to discuss current challenges, research results and solutions.
New Publications in November
Explore our November list of new publications that highlight a variety of aspects related to the African communications and media studies research community. These works cover a variety of topics from epistemic rights in the digital age, indigenous language podcasting, Stuart Hall’s visual arts influence, apartheid-era railway mobility in South Africa and media freedom erosion in Ghana.
Somali Media Women Association on transforming the media landscape
In Somalia, where media has historically been influenced by patriarchal norms and war, the Somali Media Women Association (SOMWA) is a unique force for change. Maryan Seylac, the organisation’s founder and executive director, is devoted to promoting women’s rights and representation in Somali journalism while supporting an ethical and truthful media environment.
University of Dar es Salaam upping the game in journalism education
Tanzania’s oldest journalism school is introducing a new curriculum following a review informed by inputs from key stakeholders such as students, academics, alumni and industry practitioners from the country’s media houses.
Rhodes University leads the charge for media freedom through the Makhanda Declaration
The Makhanda Declaration, affirming journalism as “a public good and that universal access to news in the public interest is part of the fundamental human right to free expression”, was launched at Rhodes University, in Makhanda, on October 18.
New Publications in October
Explore our October list of new publications that highlight a variety of aspects related to the African communications and media studies research community. These works cover a variety of topics from global media landscape analysis and humour as a coping mechanism to Paralympic broadcasting and the relevance of the “Three Models Theory.”
Bumper 20th AIJC edition in the works
The 20th African Investigative Journalism Conference (AIJC) promises to be a bumper edition, dealing with several issues facing journalism today. The event’s new coordinator, veteran journalist Beauregard Tromp tells us that journalism sustainability will be in strong focus at the conference from October 30 – November 1.
Meet Your Colleague: Henri-Count Evans
“There is joy when your students do well and they come up with ideas that are more innovative and interesting,” says Dr Henri-Count Evans, a Senior Lecturer in Journalism at the University of Eswatini. He finds fulfilment in creating lively, interactive learning environments and guiding the next generation of media professionals. Find out more about him in our Meet Your Colleague interview series.
University of Mauritius, bridging the gap between academic qualifications and work skills
The University of Mauritius’ Communication Studies Unit steps up its game with closer business sector collaborations to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world job skills. Senior Lecturer Christina Chan-Meetoo explains that this approach is about tackling the industry’s long-standing concern that graduates aren’t always job-ready.
Climate reporting toolkit for African journalists
African climate change journalists now have access to valuable support with the newly launched Climate Reporting Toolkit Africa developed by the China-Global South Project. Njenga Hakeenah, project coordinator, explains how this tool aims to equip journalists with the knowledge to report accurately and effectively on Africa’s climate issues.