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 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.
Global scientists gear up to combat misinformation
To tackle misinformation, algorithmic manipulation, and deep fakes, leading scientists have come together to form the International Panel on the Information Environment (IPIE). Spearheading efforts in Africa, Dr Chikezie E. Uzuegbunam of Rhodes University shares insights on the organisation’s goals and global impact.
Wired for the future: Willice Onyango on crafting Africa’s next-gen journalists
Digital literacy equips journalists to combat misinformation and craft news that resonates with diverse, tech-savvy audiences. Willice Onyango, executive director of Kenya’s Youth Café, discusses the role of digital literacy in shaping African journalism.
GALLERY: AJEN 2024 Roundtable Meeting
Check out the amazing moments from our third annual AJEN roundtable in Nairobi! From inspiring discussions to powerful connections, this year’s event brought together passionate voices from across Africa to tackle the future of journalism. Swipe through to see the highlights and the faces behind the conversations shaping tomorrow’s media.
Meet Your Colleague: Theodora Dame Adjin-Tettey
By Kemiso Wessie Dr Theodora Dame Adjin-Tettey, a senior lecturer at Durban University of Technology’s Department of Media, Language and...
AI is a reality, Learn How to Use It, EACA Conference Told
Over 300 journalism, media and communication scholars, practitioners and students, met in Dar es Salaam at the end of August for the 14th annual conference of the East African Communication Association (EACA), to discuss artificial intelligence (AI), among other topics under the theme: Africa and the global dialogue on media and communication.
Add AI and Digital Literacy in Journalism Education, Urges Malawian Academic
By Enock Sithole Malawian journalism academic, Dr. Jolly Ntaba, believes it's about time that government policymakers invest in curriculum...