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.
Storylab: How a student project in Malawi is changing reporting
By Johanna Mack Filling a gap in journalism education, empowering young media makers, and sparking social change in the process: These are the goals...
Rethinking media development: A conversation with Dr. Michel Leroy
Recent research challenges the comforting assumptions behind global efforts to support journalism in developing countries. In light of intensifying...
AI can be a useful tool in journalism education
As Artificial Intelligence rapidly evolves, journalism education is entering a new era of innovation. Professor Cindy Royal of Texas State University predicts that AI will not replace educators, but empower them to guide students toward lifelong learning, critical thinking and ethical use of AI tools.
Restrictive gender stereotypes persist in Sub-Saharan media – research finds
Despite advances in legal rights, deep-rooted gender stereotypes still shape how women are portrayed in African media. “Gender and Media Representation: Perspectives from Sub-Saharan Africa,” an upcoming new book explores how news, radio, and digital platforms construct gender identities today.
New Publications in April 2025
Explore our latest list of new publications and articles that explore various facets of digital media, communication, social dynamics and other areas related to the African communications and media studies research community. From foundational dialogues with key African scholars, an exposé on deception in digital platforms to a critical rethinking of South African journalism’s colonial roots, each work offers urgent insights into power, history and the future of communication in Africa.
Power of Perspectives: How Women’s Leadership is Redefining Press Freedom in the African Media
The Journalism Students Network of Zimbabwe (JSNA) convened a virtual webinar themed “Power of Perspectives: How Women’s Leadership is Redefining Press Freedom in the African Media”, which brought together prominent women media leaders from across Africa to discuss this evolving dynamic.
Ajen Symposium Highlights Crucial Role of Campus Media
AJEN’s Campus Media Symposium highlighted the role of campus media as a practical training platform for students. Discussions emphasised challenges like censorship, limited resources and lack of support. Experts stressed the need for improved infrastructure, policy support and greater institutional recognition to enhance campus media effectiveness.
Rwandan Academics Launch Journalism Education Network
Rwandan journalism and communication educators have launched the Rwanda Journalism Education Network (RJEN), which plans to engage with the media industry to align journalism education with job market needs and improve journalism standards in the country.
United States Funding Freeze Endangers Independent Journalism
Several independent media organisations around the world are reeling from the US government’s withdrawal of funding, which was announced in January by President Donald Trump’s administration. World-renowned organisations such as the Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN) are severely affected by the funding freeze, which might lead to the closure of some of their projects in several countries worldwide.
Survey to Map the Independent Media Meltdown
There appears to have been a global meltdown of independent media organisations following the freezing of US government foreign aid after January 2025.
African media industry bodies have partnered with the Code for Africa’s (CfA) media research unit, CivicSignal, to survey how community media and small independent publishers navigate economic challenges.
Bridging Media Landscapes: Reflections on the AMAZE Program and Lessons for Ghanaian Journalism.
The rapid development of the global news media makes it essential for journalists to learn from other regions through international programs. My time on the AMAZE program helped African journalism educators in the early stages of their careers learn about European and German media through an educational experience that changed my perspective. Through interactive lectures, newsroom visits, and practical training, I learned firsthand how different nations conduct their media work and the freedom they can enjoy while also analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the Ghanaian news industry. This experience broadened my understanding of the role of journalism in promoting democracy and the critical need for press freedom in developing societies.
Ajen Symposium on Campus Media
The African Journalism Education Network will host an online symposium on campus media governance and sustainability on 27 March 2025. The event, which will explore critical issues shaping student-run media with contributions from leading educators, media practitioners and researchers, will examine governance models, financial strategies and the evolving role of campus media in Africa.
New Publications in March 2025
Explore our latest list of new publications and articles that explore various facets of digital media, communication, social dynamics and other areas related to the African communications and media studies research community. From critical discourse analysis on migrant representation in Tunisia to the role of mass media in translating health research into policy in Nigeria, these new works explore the intersections of media, society and governance in Africa.
Meet Your Colleague: Agaredech Jemaneh
Dr. Agaredech Jemaneh, associate professor at Addis Ababa University, is a leading researcher in gender, media, and literature. Passionate about journalism education, she bridges academia and industry while shaping Ethiopia’s media landscape. As a founding member of the Ethiopian Media Women’s Association, she advocates for media literacy, ethics and journalistic integrity.
New PhD and MA programmes at UCU and UR powering on
Uganda Christian University (UCU) and the University of Rwanda (UR) have successfully enrolled their second cohorts in newly introduced PhD and master’s programmes in journalism, media, and communication studies. Supported by NLA University College and the University of KwaZulu-Natal, with funding from Norad, these programmes are shaping the future of media professionals in Africa.