Business Insights

5 things every African journalist should know

  1. The lack of female representation in leadership positions within newsrooms remains a significant issue. According to the Women and leadership in the news media 2024 report from Reuters Institute, having women in top editorial roles is crucial for shaping journalism practices and its societal impact. The report’s analysis of 240 major news outlets across 12 markets and five continents revealed that only 24% of the top editors were women, despite women making up 40% of journalists in those markets. The report emphasizes that the majority of top editorial positions are still held by men, highlighting the ongoing gender disparity in newsroom leadership.
  2. The Pulitzer Center is providing grants to support the coverage of underreported stories in Africa. Projects focusing on critical issues such as sanitation, water, education, maternal health, and climate resilience are eligible for funding. The grants are open to full-time and freelance journalists, photographers, radio/audio journalists, television/video journalists, and documentary filmmakers. The deadline for applications is ongoing, and more information can be found on their website.
  3. Journalists in East Africa have the opportunity to participate in the Fellowship for Investigative Journalism offered by DW Akademie. They are looking for 15 investigative journalists to join the program, which aims to support research and reporting projects on digital challenges and solution-based approaches. The deadline for applications is 12 May, and further details can be found on their website.
  4. Investigative journalist Linda Ngari sheds light on the public health implications of limited access to safe abortions in Kenya. In her work, “Investigating Abortion Rights in Kenya,” Linda explores the consequences of unregulated terminations, which are estimated to result in the deaths of over 2,000 women annually in Kenya. With a background in fact-checking and data journalism, Linda’s investigative reporting brings attention to the challenges faced by women seeking reproductive healthcare in the country.
  5. Discover the impactful narratives that have touched our hearts: Explore how Hayat Alijowaily is driving the movement for climate justice in Africa through the medium of film; learn about Jocelyne Fotso, a Cameroonian TV host who dedicates her media career to tackling social issues; uncover the African cities with the highest number of millionaires; and understand the potential of low-budget, high-quality films in advancing African filmmaking. These captivating stories are brought to you by bird story agency, Africa’s exclusive news agency for alternative narratives about the continent.

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