
African Media News
Is the media getting tougher on corruption in aid?
This past week hasn't been great for the reputation of the aid world. Media reports have alleged misuse of aid in Somalia, Ethiopia, Afghanistan and El Salvador on a fairly grand scale. [more]
New development resource to bridge communication knowledge gaps
Global media and communications research company InterMedia Tuesday launched 'AudienceScapes' (http://www.audiencescapes.org), a multi-platform communication resource intended to support and improve international development efforts and outcomes.[more]
Google sees fastest growing operations in Middle East and North Africa
Google CEO Eric Schmidt revealed the Middle East and North Africa region is the company's fastest growing region in the world, in terms of the number of users and revenue generated.[more]
Kenya: Why editors might soon be farming goats and yams [opinion]
On March 19 and 20, the Nation Media Group and the Africa Media Initiative will hold easily the most high profile African media conference ever witnessed on this fair continent (http://panafricamedia2010kenya.com). [more]
Zambia: Sata sues TIMES for libel
Patriotic Front (PF) president Micheal Sata has sued the Times of Zambia for libel. Mr Sata has also applied for an interim injunction to restrain the newspaper and its servants or agents from publishing any defamatory words concerning him. [more]
South Africa: Cabinet gets radio spectrum policy
The Department of Communications’ long-awaited policy on the national radio frequency spectrum would be presented to the Cabinet today after it was approved in draft form by a Cabinet committee last week, director-general Mamodupi Mohlala said yesterday.[more]
CBS staff defend radio on Buganda riots
The employees of the closed Central Broadcasting Services (CBS) radio station have argued that the station was only used to mobilise people to attend the function of the Kabaka of Buganda in Kayunga, but not to cause violence. [more]
Malawi: GOVT bans adverts in private media
Malawi government is reported to have stopped advertising in one of the country's private media house Nation Publications Limited. Media reports in the southern African nation say that the Malawi government has ordered all its departments and other partners to stop advertising in the newspaper.[more]
Benin: International Women's Day-Benin pays tribute to female media workers
On the occasion of the celebration of the 15th International Women's Day, observed worldwide Monday, the Union of media workers in Benin (SYNAPROMEB) seized the occasion to pay tribute to Beninese female media workers for their contributions to the revival of the press in their country.[more]
What’s next, “the fundamental right to sit in the municipal park”? [opinion]
If, like me, you listen to the Beeb (that’s slang for the BBC if you didn’t know) every night, these are some of the headlines you expect to hear as soon as you switch on the radio: “Three Marines dead in Iraq”…. “Israel is building more settlements in the West Bank… “The US Health Care Bill is being filibustered”…“Somali pirates highjack an Italian registered freight ship”.[more]
Zambia: Women’s media body salutes scribes
The International Women Media Foundation (IWMF) has paid tribute to the media for highlighting success stories of women in agriculture since the introduction of the training programme last year.[more]
Broadband usage in Middle East and North Africa belt seen rising 40% through 2015
New broadband users across the Middle East and North Africa expected to add nearly $600m to market revenue base.[more]
Gambia: Nigerian Human Rights Worker held on 'False information' Charges
President Yahya Jammeh says he will kill human rights workers in Gambia. He now holds a Nigerian on 'false information' charges[more]
Uganda: Mao attacks Museveni over Buganda radio closure
The newly-elected president general of the Democratic Party, Mr Norbert Mao, used his two-day tour of Masaka to turn his guns on Mr Museveni and his thorny relation with Buganda.[more]
Zimbabwe: Media Have Duty to Promote Unity
Harare — For well over three hours last Thursday, President Mugabe spoke to editors of local media houses about the progress the inclusive Government has made in its first year.[more]
South Africa: The thick end of the wedge [opinion]
I hope I never become one of those “former editors” who complain all the time about how poor journalism is “today” and, by implication, how good it was when they were around. I’m proud to be a hack. I’m proud of all the hacks in the country. Almost everything we know about the rot in SA is because of journalists and opposition politicians. It doesn’t matter whether you’re in print or on radio, TV or the internet — journalism makes this country a better place.[more]
South Africa: Clare O'Neil to oversee SABC sales, marketing [opinion]
SABC board member Clare O'Neil has been appointed by its fellow board members - at the recommendation of CEO Solly Mokoetle - to provide expanded oversight of the corporation's sales and marketing activities.[more]
Zambia: As ZUJ prods women to break barriers
The Zambia Union of Journalists (ZUJ) has urged women in the country to persevere and break barriers people might put to inhibit their professional progression.[more]
South Africa: Dismay over board’s O’Neil in SABC post
The decision to appoint SABC board member Clare O’Neil to oversee the broadcaster’s troubled sales and marketing division has been met with opposition from experts in the media sector and unions.[more]
Malawi: Blantyre accused of banning ads in Nation titles
Malawi's The Nation Publications group has published a two-page statement claiming to have evidence of a government directive withdrawing all official advertising from the company's titles, writes Sam Makaka for journalism.co.za.[more]
Botswana: Opposition Officials not in Govt owned Daily News?
Parliamentary reporters for the government owned Daily News have been instructed not to cover outspoken Selebi-Phikwe West Member of Parliament (MP), Gil Saleshando and his son, Dumelang, The Monitor has been reliably informed. [more]
Nigeria: Why Journalists Should Be Suspicious of Politicians [interview]
Lagos — Veteran journalist, Dr. Isa Momoh, is currently a lecturer at Lagos Business School and a Director at the Public Relation Unit of Kwara State University. In this interview with EMMA MADUABUCHI, Senior Correspondent, he lists the importance of Financial Analysis for every media practitioner, as well as the responsibility of the industry to the journalist, the publisher and the general public.[more]
Angola: Media minister urges women journalists to improve performance
Luanda – The Angolan minister of Social Communication, Carolina Cerqueira, Monday in Luanda, encouraged the women journalists to improve the sector, by helping identify the problems and eliminate stereotypes.[more]
Uganda: Africa’s digital road at tipping point
The most visible face of digital media in Africa today is the mobile phone. And a range of infrastructural developments are emerging to ensure a widespread rise of broadband mobile communications. [more]
South Africa: Officials remain mum over ransom payments
South African officials would not say on Tuesday whether ransom money was paid in order to free captured SuperSport sound engineer Nick Greyling from his Nigerian captors. [more]
South Africa: Stricter regulations loom for SA sports broadcast rights [opinion]
A move by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) to regulate the highly lucrative business of sports broadcasting rights came closer to policy last week as the deadline for submission on Icasa's "preliminary findings and conclusions" closed on Friday.[more]
Zimbabwe: Mugabe gives ZMC greenlight to implement media reforms
In an open rebuke to Media, Information and Publicity secretary George Charamba who has been frustrating the licensing of new players in the newspaper publishing sector, President Robert Mugabe has told the Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) to get on with its mandate of opening up the media space. [more]
South Africa: media ownership and control headache [opinon]
South Africa's ‘excessive' media ownership and control at the hands of a very few players continues to be the main topic of discussion in political, media, civil society and academic circles, with some calling for an urgent intervention to regulate what they see as a ‘selfish' and ‘slow-transforming' industry.[more]
Ethiopia: Bob, Band Aid and how the rebels bought their arms [opinion]
An edition of the BBC World Service programme Assignment, alleging that money intended for famine relief in Ethiopia in the mid-1980s was used to buy weapons, has prompted an angry response from aid campaigners. Andrew Whitehead, Editor, News and Current Affairs at the BBC World Service, explains how the story came about.[more]
Sierra Leone: Media, Governance & Democracy from an African/Western context [opinon]
The press is vital in pushing for socio-economic and political development. It can serve, to an extent as an alternative to what we normally would refer to ‘representative government’ even as submitted by William T. Stead in his concept on ‘Government by Journalism’, notwithstanding Walter Lippman’s counter argument that the press can not serve as an alternative to institutions.[more]
South Africa: Take Your Q-Fat cats scoff on as voters ignore media tales of greed [opinon]
Being a columnist in South Africa is like being a sweetie thief in kindergarten. There is such a smorgasbord of venality, stupidity and greed on display week after week to choose from[more]
Wounded South Africans ask: Why do the Brits hate us so much?
Radio phone-ins and the press across South Africa were dominated last week by British newspapers' assault on President Jacob Zuma during his visit to London and on criticism of World Cup preparations.[more]
Angola: Media minister visits "Edições Novembro"
The Angolan minister of Social Communication, Carolina Cerqueira, visited on Thursday the premises of “Edições Novembro” publishing house, to introduce herself to the employees and learn about the working conditions in that public media organ.[more]
Zambia: Scribes call for unity
The media in Zambia has stepped up preparations for the forthcoming World Press Freedom Day celebrations scheduled for May 3 with a call for unity among stakeholders.[more]
Zimbabwe: Mugabe courts media belatedly
President Robert Mugabe on Thursday did what he should have done a long time ago: holding a no-holds barred meeting with editors at Zimbabwe House. The roundtable meeting was refreshing and should be a constant feature on the presidential calendar.[more]
Zimbabwe: The Day the Press Met the President [opinion]
In Govt published Herald: It had been 10 years since the President played host to such a large number of local journalists. The date was March 4 2010 and the setting was his official Zimbabwe House residence.[more]
Sierra Leone: Our Media Should Be People-Centred
Freetown — Madam Chairman and Commissioners of the Independent Media Commission, Minister of Information and Communication representing His Excellency the President, other Ministers of Government, Chief Executive Officer and other staff of Zain, which I should add is the oldest surviving mobile phone company in Sierra Leone, Members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps, fellow journalists especially entrants for this year's awards, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, good evening.[more]
South Africa: UK media tones down on Zuma
Johannesburg - Some British media had by Thursday toned down their controversial coverage of President Jacob Zuma's first UK state visit, but instead turned on him for breaches of protocol and royal etiquette.[more]
Zanzibar: First community radio station launched
Zanzibar now has its first community radio, to foster civic education, democracy and promote reconciliation, thanks to the United Nations, writes Dennis Itumbi for journalism.co.za.[more]
Gambia: Journalists and the Law -Conceptions and Misconceptions [opinion]
The Chief Justice of the Gambia was invited by the Young Journalists Association to preside over the opening of their training programme on media laws. The chief Justice did accept the engagement. It is important to share with the readers what he said to the Journalists.[more]
Zambia: Scribes need protection too, says PAZA
The Press Association of Zambia (PAZA) has proposed that the public interest disclosure Bill (protection of whistle blowers) should include protection of media practitioners because they are key figures in the fight against corruption.[more]
Zimbabwe: Civil society appeals for govt protection
Harare – Zimbabwean civic society on Wednesday appealed for protection from President Robert Mugabe and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai’s unity government in the wake of rising threats and harassment of human rights activists by state security agents.[more]
Zimbabwe: Econet Extends 'Call Me Back' Service
Harare — Econet Wireless Zimbabwe has extended the free "call me back" service to its Buddie subscribers, the latest customer-focused innovation to come from the country's largest cellular operator.[more]
Zambia: Scribes need protection too, says PAZA
The Press Association of Zambia (PAZA) has proposed that the public interest disclosure Bill (protection of whistle blowers) should include protection of media practitioners because they are key figures in the fight against corruption.[more]
Nigeria: Broadcaster to Launch Free-to-Air Channel with China's Star TV
The Nigerian broadcasting market is one of the toughest in Africa where there is plenty of competition for tough markets. The pioneer of private broadcasting in Nigeria is Galaxy CEO Steve Ojo who runs a company that encompasses studios and a Nollywood producer and distributor. Russell Southwood spoke to Steve Ojo at DISCOP 3 in Dakar last week.[more]
Sierra Leone: Journalists Begin Needs Assessment Training
Freetown — For the first time in the 38-year history of SLAJ, the association this week started a comprehensive training needs assessment of journalists in the country. The first phase of the programme kicked-off yesterday at the conference hall of SLAJ headquarters in Freetown and continues today March 3.[more]
Nigeria: Peace returns to Imo NUJ
Owerri — Peace has finally returned to Imo State Council of Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, following the unconditional acceptance of the peace moves by one of the principal actors and State Correspondent of Business Day, Mr. Christian Nwokocha.[more]
South Africa: SABC in bid to avoid court case over benefits
The SABC is to enter into mediation with 1800 employees and pensioners today in a bid to avoid a lengthy court case over its decision to stop paying its portion of medical aid contributions.[more]
Nigeria: NUJ to establish micro bank
The Lagos State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) plans to establish a microfinance bank to guarantee a secured future for both serving and retired journalists. [more]
Mozambique: Government Studying Digital Transition
Maputo — The Mozambican government is studying the best options for digital broadcasting which must be adopted by 2015.[more]
South Africa: Watchdog no champion of underdogs in pay-TV [opinion]
South Africa television is being held back by the power of the incumbents to prevent change. A couple of years ago we were looking at the possibility of new pay-TV broadcasters challenging MultiChoice’s monopoly. There was a flurry of applications, a few were granted, and the market looked like it was opening up. In particular, there was the promise of cheaper options to MultiChoice’s costly one-size-fits-all model.[more]
Nigeria: Journalist Union to establish micro bank
The Lagos State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) plans to establish a microfinance bank to guarantee a secured future for both serving and retired journalists. [more]
South Africa: Regulator no help for pay-TV underdog [opinon]
The Independent Communications Authority of SA, Icasa, is not helping to open up the pay-TV market, writes Anton Harber in Business Day. MultiChoice has proved able and willing to throw considerable resources into defending the territory it controls against new entrants. [more]
South Africa: Reality show passes comission's muster
The Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA) has dismissed public complaints about a risqué Cape Town-based reality documentary series, citing the broadcaster's right to freedom of expression.[more]
Nigeria: Journalists kidnapped in Owerri
Three journalists working for African pay tv sports channel SuperSport were abducted by gunmen on Monday near Owerri, in eastern Nigeria, although one escaped yesterday.[more]
South Africa: Newspaper yet to decide on McBride appeal
Bloemfontein - The Citizen is considering a possible appeal to the Constitutional Court against a Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) decision in favour of Robert McBride, the newspaper said on Tuesday.[more]
Uganda: Whipping Up Hysteria about Incitement, Museveni Forgets his Chinese Lessons [opinion]
The government-controlled New Vision newspaper has accused the now closed Buganda CBS radio of promoting genocide, and likened it to the notorious Radio TV Milles Collines that participated in the Rwanda genocide.[more]
Nigeria: HURIWA Wants Justice for Abducted Journalist
Human Rights Writers’ Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, has tasked the Inspector General of Police Mr. Ogbonna Onovo and the Police Service Commission to ensure that all the Owerri-based operatives of the Nigeria Police who interloped into the Federal Capital Territory and abducted the Abuja-based journalist, Mr. Maximus Uba to Imo State are prosecuted, for breaching the fundamental human rights of freedom from arbitrary arrest and abduction enshrined in chapter four of the 1999 constitution.[more]
Togo: Government denied Visa for french journalists
Radio France, Radio France International (RFI), RTL and the newspaper La Croix informed on wednesday that the togolese government refused to provide visas to the journalist, who were chosen to cover the election in the west african country.[more]
Lesotho: New fund to extend services in Lesotho
Lesotho has established a universal access fund to expand broadcasting and telecommunications services, writes Mzimkhulu Sithetho for journalism.co.za.[more]
Is Africa a country? [Opinion]
My people, I am very confused. Is Africa a country? Here is what respected New York Times columnist, Thomas Friedman wrote in one of his columns: “Walking through the Olympic Village the other day, here’s what struck me most: [more]
Nigeria: Three reporters seized - SA media reports
A South African sports journalist and two Nigerian colleagues have been kidnapped in Nigeria's restive oil-producing Niger Delta region, South African media reported on Tuesday.[more]
Uganda: King launches two papers
The Buganda Kingdom is now running two weekly newspapers, in a move that media observers say is a replacement for the Central Broadcasting Services (CBS) radio station shut down in September last year, writes Dennis Itumbi for journalism.co.za. [more]
Swaziland: What of the ICT Policy? [opinion]
Some four years ago, the information communication technology (ICT) policy was launched with the hope of making ICT accessible to a broader community, even in the rural areas. [more]
Uganda: CBS’ accusers may lead us into genocide [opinion]
Following its closure precipitated by the 2009 September riots, inciting the masses into committing genocide besides abusing the President of Uganda are some of the accusations labelled at CBS- the radio run by the Buganda Kingdom in Mengo. [more]
South Africa: Newspaper yet to decide on McBride appeal
Bloemfontein - The Citizen is considering a possible appeal to the Constitutional Court against a Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) decision in favour of Robert McBride, the newspaper said on Tuesday.[more]
South Africa: When the law is irrational [opinion]
I was rather hoping Robert McBride would go and crawl under a rock somewhere. Upon hearing he was tipped for a top job in the Northern Cape I idly wondered if he might disappear down Kimberley’s great hole.[more]
Rwanda: Private media dispute Rwanda audience survey
MEDIA Owners in Rwanda are disputing the results of an audience survey that has placed state radio as the biggest in terms of listenership, writes Dennis Itumbi for journalism.co.za. [more]
South Africa: More SABC commercial staff to be suspended
AT LEAST three senior staff of the South African Broadcasting Corporation’s (SABC’s) commercial enterprises division are expected to be suspended in the next two weeks, after the division’s head, Gab Mampone, was suspended last week.[more]
Nigeria: Writers Association Wants Justice for Abducted Journalist
Human Rights Writers’ Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, has tasked the Inspector General of Police Mr. Ogbonna Onovo and the Police Service Commission to ensure that all the Owerri-based operatives of the Nigeria Police who interloped into the Federal Capital Territory and abducted the Abuja-based journalist, Mr. Maximus Uba to Imo State are prosecuted, for breaching the fundamental human rights of freedom from arbitrary arrest and abduction enshrined in chapter four of the 1999 constitution.[more]
Nigeria: Western Media And Cultural Imperialism
The media blitz in the Western and American press against Nigeria which is an age – long practice assumed a frightening dimension recently following the unfortunate December 25, 2009 incident in which a Nigerian child adopted by the West attempted to blow up a plane in the United States. [more]
Zimbabwe: Journalists Union's poll re-run challenged
BULAWAYO — The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists plunged deeper into a crisis yesterday when another election, described as a “sham” by journalists was held in Bulawayo yesterday. Dumisani Sibanda was re-elected president of ZUJ, almost three months after his initial victory was set aside. [more]
Tanzania: Media Council poised to monitor 2010 election campaign
The Media Council of Tanzania (MCT), has started working on modalities on media monitoring before the forthcoming General Election in October. [more]
Namibia: Tolerance Should Be Practised By All
NAMIBIA’S Constitution defines us as a democratic society which should be practising tolerance and non-discrimination and subscribing to the principles of press freedom, but increasingly the actions of various political parties and their leaders are exhibiting the contrary.[more]
Malawi: Envoy lashes out at media
British ambassador to Malawi asked government media to desist from lacing negative government issues with 'kid gloves'. Commissioner Fergus Cochrane-Dyet was speaking when the local media watchdog, the Media Council of Malawi (MCM), sensitized stakeholders on its new set of Accreditation Policy and Procedures and Press Card Scheme in the capital Lilongwe.[more]
Kenya: Mobile money transfer is now the new ‘bank of the poor’
Mobile phone-based money transfer and banking solutions have been recognised as the avenue to take banking services to people outside the formal financial industry.[more]
South Africa: Little hope of new brush sweeping SABC clean [opinon]
In her letter responding to the concerns I raised in a column last month about SABC CEO Solly Mokoetle, newly appointed board member Pippa Green carefully avoids answering most of the questions I posed. She ignores most of the examples I cited and, in effect, says that any management or news corruption that occurred at the SABC happened either before Mokoetle was appointed to a position of influence or after he left.[more]
Gambia: A State Media Belongs to The Nation And Should Give Accurate Reports [opinion]
Foroyaa published the following information after Gambia submitted its report on the Human rights situation in the Country: [more]
President Yoweri Museveni has criticised Mengo, the seat of the Buganda kingdom, saying it was selfish to try and suppress other people’s cultures.
Speaking in Nakasongola, he urged the Baruuli, one of the tribes seeking autonomy from Buganda, to stand firm and defend their culture against what he said were efforts by Mengo to wipe it out. [more]
ZANU PF youths protest against sanctions & ‘pirate’ radio
Exiled radio stations, labelled pirates by the Robert Mugabe regime have once again come under attack from ZANU PF during a protest march by hundreds of youth members through the streets of Harare on Wednesday.[more]
South Africa: SABC to cut jobs in bid to reduce costs
Cape Town— Job cuts are looming at the SABC as the new board and CEO Solly Mokoetle strive to slash costs and reduce the bloated head count of nearly 4000 employees.[more]
Uganda: Besigye, Otunnu face tough times without FM radio [opinion]
Is it cynical to say opposition leaders should use adverts in the media, emails, sms, and fliers? While in Pader recently, Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) President Kizza Besigye was scheduled to be hosted on the local radio station, Luo FM radio. He had booked time and paid Shs 800,000 for the privilege. But at the last minute, he was blocked and his money refunded. He was told the talk show could not be hosted because of an order from the local representative of President Yoweri Museveni in the district, the RDC.[more]
Zambia: Information Minister slams scribes’ body
Information and Broadcasting Minister Ronnie Shikapwasha has described as erroneous a political a statement by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) that the current Government has lost credibility that late president Levy Mwanawasa garnered as champion of press freedom.[more]
Uganda: Evangelist charged with lying to BBC
A Catholic evangelist who told a BBC reporter that he committed 70 ritual murders has been charged with giving false information to a public officer.[more]
Zimbabwe: National ICT strategic plan launched
Government has unveiled the National Information Communication strategic plan that will run from 2010 to 2014, and is expected to usher the country into the global information "super highway".[more]
ICT Africa: Mobile World Congress: Africa urged to harmonise broadband options
African telecommunications regulators have been tasked to ensure the harmonization of policies to encourage frequency distribution that would boost mobile broadband and enhance the chances of benefiting from digital dividends.[more]
Uganda: King's radio won't apologise
The Buganda Kingdom has rejected a raft of conditions the government wants CBS Radio to comply with before it could be reopened, saying it will not apologize, writes Dennis Itumbi for journalism.co.za.[more]
South Africa: Cops, Sanef form task team
Johannesburg - A high level task team will be formed to discuss communication problems between the media and police, the SA National Editors' Forum (Sanef) and the SA Police Service said in a joint statement on Wednesday.[more]
South Africa: Media body pushes for law to protect media sources
South Africa’s Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) has said that it would push for legislation to protect the confidentiality of journalist’s sources, APA has learnt here.[more]
Zambia: Info Minister slams Journalists Body’s assessment of Govt efforts
Information and Broadcasting Minister Ronnie Shikapwasha has described as erroneous a political a statement by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) that the current Government has lost credibility that late president Levy Mwanawasa garnered as champion of press freedom.[more]
Zimbabwe: Government criticised for failing media reform
The unity government has been criticised for failing to fulfill its promise of media reform, in a press report that has detailed how Zimbabwe has the most exiled journalists in Africa over the past decade. [more]
Nigeria: 35 Broadcasting Stations Sanctioned
The National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, says it sanctioned about 35 broadcast stations for various breaches of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code in January 2010.[more]
Kenya: Media owners to lobby for new constitution
Media owners on Monday raised the alarm over attempts to derail the search for a new constitution.[more]
Mozambique: Renamo Deputy Sues Journalist
Maputo — Lucia Afate, a parliamentary deputy for Mozambique's main opposition party, the former rebel movement Renamo, is suing journalist Jose Vasco da Gama over a story that appeared in the weekly paper "Magazine Independente" (MI) last year, which claimed that Afate had secretly married Renamo leader Afonso Dhlakama in a traditional ceremony in the northern province of Nampula.[more]
Nigeria: The Media And Reporting Of Conflicts
Recent events in the country have prompted me to publish this piece I originally authored for a youth conference in 2008 in Abuja that did not hold. I feel it is pertinent to draw the attention of media professionals to the dangerous trend and dimension media coverage of the Jos crises have assumed.[more]
Lesotho: Move to digital
Lesotho is migrating to a new digital broadcasting platform for both television and radio, writes Mzimkhulu Sithetho for journalism.co.za.[more]
South Africa: Malema (ANC Youth League) blames media
Julius Malema has blamed the government companies register, a smear campaign run by leftist ANC officials and "unethical" journalists for "unfounded" media reports that he says have placed his life and that of his family in danger.[more]
Nigeria: NBC sanctions 35 broadcast stations
Abuja —National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, has sanctioned 35 broadcast stations across Nigeria in January 2010.[more]
Liberia: Media Wars - Emboldened Jones Strikes Another Newspaper with Libel
Fresh from his initial triumph in a libel case against this paper as lawyer for one of former President Charles Taylor's organized and leftover companies, Consolidated Group Inc. Cllr. Marcus Jones has files another libel case the Front Page newspaper as lawyer for the auditing firm Voscom.[more]
Nigeria: NBC Suspends Communication Trends Broadcast License
The National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, has suspended the broadcast license of Communication Trends Limited with effect from February 8, 2010. The suspension of the broadcast license followed a continued breach of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code by the broadcasting organisation[more]
Zimbabwe: Media Commission Posts Gazetted
Harare — President Mugabe has formally appointed former ZBC newscaster Mr Godfrey Majonga to chair the new Zimbabwe Media Commission, a body whose creation is mandated by the Global Political Agreement and Constitution.[more]
Uganda: Activists ask govt to reopen CBS
Human rights activists want the central government to reopen the closed Central Broadcasting Service saying its continued closure is an infringement on the rights and freedom of expression media.[more]
Namibia: Training for radio journalists needed
Media educators and professionals, as well as representatives of intergovernmental organisations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) on Friday highlighted the need for the establishment of a training programme for local radio and television presenters.[more]
Zimbabwe: ZMC gazetting ‘welcome relief’ but fears abound
Some light filtered into the country’s battered media landscape on Friday with the gazetting of the new Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC), but players in the media industry are not celebrating yet. The Minister of Media, Information and Publicity, Webster Shamu on Friday announced that the ZMC members had been appointed with effect from February 11, in accordance with section 100N of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.[more]
Liberia: History of the Liberian Press
Liberia, located on the west coast of Africa, was founded in 1822 by the American Colonization Society (ACS) in an effort to find a home for black slaves who had gained their freedom in America following the American War of Independence. The settlement also founded, with the assistance of the American government, to abolish slavery and to spread Christianity in Africa.[more]
Nigeria: Random Notes On Broadcasting In Nigeria [opinion]
The present crop of Nigerian radio broadcasters have fallen short of and diminished the glory days of broadcasting in Nigeria. Before you accuse of hasty generalisation and of being fixated on the past, let me add that there are a few exceptions to this fact and also advice you to read this piece to the end.[more]
Uganda: CBS Closure Breaks Mengo's Back
The Buganda kingdom has run broke and implementation of its flagship development projects have stalled.[more]
Zambia: Govt has lost credibility as press freedom champions– CPJ
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) Africa programme research associate Mohamed Keita has said the MMD government has lost much of the credibility that late president Levy Mwanawasa earned as a champion of press freedom.[more]
Namibia: Radio Wave’s ‘Waking Crew’ suspended
Loyal Radio Wave listeners, who tuned in yesterday morning to listen to their favourite ‘shock-jock’ duo – the Waking Crew’s Jarret Loubser and Christine ‘Mossie’ Mostert – were instead met with a sombre announcement from station manager Margaret Loubser stating that the Waking Crew had been suspended pending an internal investigation. It has been difficult to get an official version of events, but The Namibian has managed to piece together yesterday’s events from sources close to Radio Wave.[more]
Nigeria: Akunyili Commends NUJ For Defending Democracy
Abuja — The minister of information and communications, Prof. Dora Akunyili has commended the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, and the Nigerian Military for exhibiting a high degree of patriotism in the defence of democracy in Nigeria.[more]
Uganda: Govt to probe media that turn away political parties
The Government is to investigate allegetions that opposition politicians are being denied air time on private television and radio stations, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Chief Whip in Parliament, Daudi Migereko has said. [more]
Research reveals media influences on youth
A 2009 model of youth media consumption indicates that traditional media, such as television, catalogues and magazines generally have a stronger influence on purchase decisions of secondary education learners than new media, such as cellphones and the Internet.[more]
Eritrean journalist completes one year in solitary confinement
A media watchdog , Reporters Without Borders, says the authorities in Eritrea have been holding in solitary confinement journalist and essayist, Yirgalem Fisseha Mebrahtu, for one year.[more]
Uganda: Govt wants CBS to pay damages over protests
The Government wants CBS, the Buganda kingdom radio, to pay compensation for inciting the public to rise against lawful authority. [more]
Uganda: Broadcasting Council Chairman summoned over radio ban
Godfrey Mutabazi, the chairman of the Uganda Broadcasting Council, has been summoned to court on April 20 to explain the ban on open-air radio talk-shows popularly called bimeeza. [more]
Africa: Producing Global TV Formats in Nigeria and South Africa - Working to a Different Business Model
London — Duncan Irvine originally worked as a contactor for MNet in South Africa doing on-air promotions but in 1993 he was behind a management buy-out of the company. However, since that point he has shifted the company from this type of work to producing global TV formats including Got Talent, Strictly Come Dancing, Who Do You Think You Are?, It's A Knockout and So You Think You Can Dance.[more]
South Africa: Money and the art of ‘lifestyle’ reporting [opinion]
To report on the World Cup without putting Fifa before it, is not only incorrect — Fifa owns the event and its trademarked title — but is likely to have Sepp Blatter red-carding any media outlet stupid enough to perpetrate such a foul. They have put millions into the event, the least we can do is call it by its proper name.[more]
Gambia: Are Daily News' Lamin Njie And Saikou Ceesay Arrested And Released?
Information reaching this reporter has it that Mr. Lamin Njie and Saikou Ceesay of the Daily News were arrested on Tuesday 16th February 2010 prompting Foroyaa to investigate the matter.[more]
Ghana: Journalism Standard Falls in Tamale
Tamale — Barely a month after The Chronicle challenged the National Media Commission (NMC) to keep an eagle eye on, and closely monitor the activities of Radio Presenters in the Tamale Metropolis before they throw the area into uncontrollable pandemonium, the Northern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has also registered its dissatisfaction about the work of radio stations in Tamale.[more]
Judge adjourns CBS radio case
High Court judge Vincent Zehurikize has put on hold the case of CBS employees against the Government over the closure of the radio station, asking the lawyers to find an out-of-court settlement.[more]
Namibia: Give the people their say in the budget, IPPR
The Institute of Public Policy Research (IPPR) yesterday called for Government to introduce a “Citizens’ Budget”, a simplified document that would spell out what Government is trying to do with the taxpayer’s billions in laymen’s terms.[more]
Zambia: Civil Society organizations commend media bodies on self regulation
The Civil Society Organisations have commended the media for coming up with a self regulatory body. The Media Liaison Committee last week announced that it will officially launch its self-regulatory Zambia Media Council (ZAMEC) by 3rd May 2010.[more]
Editors quash journalists’ hopes
I read with interest Anton Harber’s column (Up to editors to inspire despondent newsrooms, February 17), where he laments that “reporters feel disempowered working at the mercy of complacent editors” and criticises editors who forever chant the mantra: “We are a business, we are about making money”. He then goes on to say that good editors should “motivate a team of people to sense the zeitgeist, find the stories that capture it and process them”. [more]
CBS closure was a pilot test on Buganda’s invincibility [opinion]
If the Central Broadcasting Service had a case to answer, the government should have taken the radio station to court as soon as the September city riots ended. Instead President Museveni chose dialogue that initially came as a meeting with the Kabaka of Buganda after the September 11 riots. Majority of Baganda in the villages thought that the CBS fate would be resolved immediately after the Kabaka-Museveni meeting. But the elite Baganda rightly remained sceptical about the whole meeting.[more]
Up to editors to inspire despondent newsrooms [opinion]
Editing a newspaper is about motivating a teacm of people to give of their best, and produce gritty, powerful journalism, writes Anton Harber in Business Day. Judging by the air of depression that seems to be pervasive in many newsrooms, too few editors are succeeding in doing that. [more]
Botswana goes for latest digital broadcast technology
Botswana Television (Btv) looks set to adopt the latest broadcast digital technology, known as the ISDB, popularised by Japan and Brazil.[more]
Namibia: Politicians, experts must make themselves available
Windhoek – Politicians and experts on gender-based violence should make themselves available and take part in discussions and debates to create awareness among the public. [more]
African media 'not ready to report conflict'
Media in Sub-Saharan Africa are ill-prepared to cover and report on conflict, a top panelist argued during the launch of a report looking at the state of media globally, writes Dennis Itumbi for journalism.co.za.[more]
Rwanda: Rwanda Television is going about things the wrong way [opinion]
Give a man a fish, feed him for a day… Teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime.[more]
Zimbabwe: Anger over journalist’s arrest
The arrest of a foreign journalist in Masvingo last week has prompted an angry reaction from press freedom groups and the government, with Tourism Minister Walter Mzembi lashing out at the police.[more]
East Africa: Crossing the digital divide in East Africa... as seen on TV
The migration from analogue to digital TV broadcasting by 2015 will not be easy for East African countries. [more]
Mauritania: Repeal restrictive media laws, MFWA charges Mauritania
The sub-regional rights watchdog, Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), has called for the repeal of all 'laws which restrict media freedom' in Mauritania while condemning the recent two-year imprisonment handed down to Hanevi Ould Dahah, publisher of the online paper (www.tagadoumy.com), PANA reported Monday.[more]
Eritrea: Locked-up and tortured for being a journalist
Kampala: Yonas Embye talks without pause for breath. His ideas are fired scattergun-style, revealing insights from his multiple personalities – journalist, torture victim, humanitarian worker, escapee extraordinaire. But his message is clear. “I must express myself,” he says, shifting restlessly. “Sometimes I cannot sleep because I have to get the word out about my colleagues back home.”[more]
South Africa: We should not accept precedents we will later regret [opinon]
The Fifa show is rolling into SA, bringing the promise of World Cup excitement, crowds and other benefits, writes Franz Kruger, the Mail & Guardian's ombud. But it also brings media restrictions that are completely unacceptable.[more]
Nigeria: Sustaining The Rights Of African Journalists
Struggle for the soul of journalism is taking place in various forms all over Africa. While in many countries, the battle to install transparency, probity and accountability in public service is breaking barriers and boundaries there is the attempt to raise the welfare of practising journalists in others.[more]
Sierra Leone: Media Commission rejects FCC's Radio Bid
Freetown — The Independent Media Commission (IMC) has turned down a Freetown City Council (FCC) application for a license to establish a radio station in the municipality.[more]
Nigeria: NUJ Tasks Jonathan, Onovo On Ex-AIT Reporter’s Killers
Abuja council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Tuesday tasked acting President Goodluck Jonathan and the Inspector General of Police, Ogbonna Onovo, to leave nothing to chance in ensuring that the killers of Efenji Efenji, an ex-reporter of the Africa Independent Television (AIT), are brought to justice.[more]
Nigeria: Advocating Development Reporting
The importance of the media in any society cannot be over-emphasised, and through the advent of technology, the world has become a global village. The media perform the role of teaching, informing, educating and entertaining the public, in addition to encouraging socio-economic and political development in nations of the world, Nigeria inclusive. [more]
Rwanda: Journalists train on media law
Over 40 journalists from different media houses in the country on Friday concluded a training workshop on the new media laws, which were recently gazetted.[more]
South Africa: Are SA magazines in trouble?
Many observers believe that the imminent closure of Femina magazine - and possibly of more titles in the near future - is a clear indication that South African magazines are in deep trouble. Bizcommunity.com sought comment from analysts to clarify the issue.[more]
Zimbabwe: Outrage over arrests of The Zimbabwean staff
Media groups have described the arrest last week of distributors of The Zimbabwean newspaper as demonstration of the unity government’s insincerity about media reforms.[more]
Government to meet CBS radio managers
Information and technology minister Aggrey Awori has said a Government team is scheduled to meet the board of directors and shareholders of the CBS radio next week to iron out issues. [more]
Botswana: BTV may switch off
Botswana Television may be blocked from transmitting its signal,s allegedly for failure to pay rental arrears for use of satellite space.[more]
Nigeria: Tension In Borno Over Al-Jazeera Boko Haram Video
Borno is tension-soaked after Al-Jazeera released a video showing persons in police uniforms ordering the killings of unarmed civilians in the Boko Haram sectarian crisis. Over 1,000 people were believed to have died and properties destroyed.[more]
The Gambia: America condemns Gambia's anti-media laws
The American government has strongly condemned Gambian authorities over the tiny West African country's anti-media laws, arguing that such repressive laws are not in line with democracy and they "should never be used to suppress'' democratic rights of the people, PANA reported Saturday.[more]
Uganda: Government should hear out CBS radio [opinion]
In The New Vision editorial of February 9, the newspaper joined the chorus of government officials in condemning CBS FM for allegedly calling upon Baganda to take action against people with long noses who threaten to take away their land and the Government which has a hidden agenda to kill Baganda. [more]
Egypt: Press Free, but Still Fettered
Cairo- Not long ago an editorial like the one that appeared in the independent Al- Dustour newspaper this week might never have made it into print.[more]
Editors to tackle police ‘bullying’
The South African National Editors Forum (Sanef) has resolved to revive its discussions with senior police leaders to secure the media’s right to report crime stories.[more]
Uganda: Makubuya should know better [opinon]
Mengo remains adamant on the issue of CBS. Buganda’s attorney general, Apollo Makubuya, does not see any wrong committed by the Buganda-kingdom owned radio station. Instead, he wants the Government to apologise for what he calls breach of the Constitution and the loss of lives. [more]
Government feels threatened, says Besigye
Fort Portal: The government is blocking the Forum for Democratic Change from appearing on radio because it wants to keep rural residents in the dark about their current problems, the party’s leader has said. [more]
Namibia: Misa misinterpreted Police ‘blackout’, says Shilongo
Erongo’s Police Chief, Commissioner Festus Shilongo, says the media misinterpreted the Police’s recent announcement that they won’t release regular crime bulletins any longer.[more]
Namibia: Former NBC Director General shuns the spotlight
Former Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) acting Director General Matthew //Gowaseb decided to exit public life after his NBC ordeal.[more]
Africa: Media yet to win battle for freedom
Nairobi — Access to information is one of the biggest challenges facing the media in Africa. And although leaders in the continent often underscore the importance of freedom of information in development, only five countries in sub-Saharan Africa have passed laws allowing freedom of information.[more]
Zimbabwe: The Zimbabwean newspaper staff charged with publishing falsehoods
The staff of the UK based The Zimbabwean newspaper responsible for the local distribution of the paper in Zimbabwe were on Thursday charged under the Criminal Law Codification & Reform Act for publishing falsehoods prejudicial to the State.[more]
Mozambique: Press Freedom - Despite Constraints, Legal Framework Favourable
Maputo — Mozambique has a political and legal framework that is generally favourable to freedom of expression, and to pluralism and diversity in the media, although constraints still persist in the practical application of media-friendly laws and policies.[more]
Zimbabwe: Cabinet team to summon state & independent editors to discuss hate speech
A three-member cabinet team led by Vice-President John Nkomo has been tasked to summon editors from the state and independent media to discuss as a matter of urgency ‘hate speech’ in the media.[more]
South Africa: African bloggers want to be heard at summit
Former South African President Thambo Mbeki will lead a galaxy of global personalities to Kenya next month and will preside over a Pan African Media Conference that will seek a path for traditional media in the face of rising citizen journalism, writes Dennis itumbi for journalism.co.za.[more]
Kenya: Facebook clicks threaten TV, radio ad market
More than two million Kenyans are on Facebook, with new research indicating that the popular social networking website is slowly edging out the e-mail as the preferred mode of electronic communication.[more]
Western media reporting on Africa- Perspectives of a Ugandan in Canada [Opinion]
The other day I got a call from a student of media studies at Ryerson University in Toronto. She wanted to know my opinion on how Western media cover Africa. What bias do I see in the way Africa is written and reported about in the Canadian media, for example, she asked.[more]
Nigeria: Journalists Threaten to Boycott ExxonMobil Activities
Journalists in Akwa Ibom State have threatened to boycott activities of an American oil exploration and exploitation firm, ExxonMobil, saying the mode of operation of the oil giant in the state does not add value to the socio-economic well being of the state.[more]
Zimbabwe: Chihuri Condemns Private Media- GVT published Herald
Harare — Police Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri has rebuked privately-owned newspapers and online news agencies for tarnishing the force's image by reporting falsehoods.[more]
Rwanda: Ruanda Television to Benefit From Japanese Grant
The Japanese government has given Rwanda Television (RTV) a grant of 46.1 million Japanese Yen today (approx $0.5m).[more]
South Africa: SAARF forum offers future shock
In her recent presentation to delegates at the SAARF/AMF TV Information Forum, independent media consultant Lorna Long from Media Spice called 2010 a watershed year for TV planning. She predicts that by 2014, the South African TV arena could be radically changed.[more]
Rwanda: New Media Board has a lot on its plate [opinion]
A seven-member team has taken office as new board members of the Media High Council (MHC), a public institution charged with regulating the sector.[more]
Nigeria: House of Reps to Probe Al-Jazeera Footage on extra judicial police killing
The House of Representatives yesterday mandated its committees on Human Rights, Police Affairs and Justice to investigate a video clip that has been airing on Al-Jazeera, an international news station which showed extra judicial killings of defenceless cripples and underage citizens by men of the Nigeria Police Force, during the Boko Haram sectarian violence in Borno State, last year.[more]
Rwanda: New Media High Council Board takes office
New Board members of the Media High Council (MHC) yesterday assumed office after a handover ceremony witnessed by the Minister of Cabinet Affairs, also current overseer of the information docket, Protais Musoni. [more]
Rural radios decline to host FDC party president – complains FDC
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has complained that some rural FM radio stations have declined to host party president Dr. Kizza Besigye, reports Andante Okanya.[more]
Tanzania: Journalists deny corruption charges and threats
Journalist Jerry Muro is led to the courtroom at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate's Court in Dar es Salaam.[more]
Rwanda: Contributing to the press law debate [opinion]
People who really care about the situation of the media industry in Rwanda and have been craving for a chance to make constructive contribution now can do so. [more]
Uganda: Museveni assures EU on democracy
President Yoweri Museveni met European Union ambassadors on Wednesday to discuss issues concerning democracy, corruption and press freedom in Uganda.[more]
Africa’s Diaspora To The Rescue
Dakar – There is something dismally familiar about the tide of news reports concerning Africa’s increased suffering – more poverty, malnutrition, civil strife, and death – in the face of the recent global financial crisis. Almost everywhere, the media translates academic conclusions into graphic illustrations of brutality and despair in places such as Guinea and the Democratic Republic of Congo.[more]
Namibia: Kaapanda is struggling to exist as the Government’s Top Spin Doctor [opinion]
Let me preface this column by stating that I have always had a modicum of respect for Minister Joel Kaapanda. I have written articles commending the diligent manner in which he acquainted himself with his ministerial duties, first at regional government and later at the works ministry.[more]
Namibia: Misa slams Police media blackout
The recent decision by the Namibian Police to release only “selective data” on crime is “a clear denial of the people’s right to access information”, the Namibian chapter of the Media Institute of Southern Africa said this week.[more]
Rwanda: Contributing to the press law debate
People who really care about the situation of the media industry in Rwanda and have been craving for a chance to make constructive contribution now can do so. The Press Bill, which seeks to put in place a new media-governing law, is currently under debate in parliament.[more]
Nigeria: Editors reject govt regulated council
The Nigeria Guild of Editors ended its one-day Standing Committee Meeting in Lagos, yesterday, with an outright rejection of any effort to have a government-regulated Press Council, although it admitted the need for a regulation.[more]
Ghana: ECOWAS, media devise media standards for peace and security-regional meeting
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is collaborating with the media in West Africa to establish minimum standards for media practice in conflict prevention, deepening democracy and good governance, and promoting interaction and cooperation among journalists and media practitioners in the sub-region.[more]
Content is key to newspaper survival, says expert
A Deloitte media and technology expert has warned that good content in newspapers is the only way to keep readers from migrating to the internet.[more]
Nigeria: States, FG Told to Abolish Information Ministries
Government at all levels have been called upon to abolish ministries of information, as they are outdated and have become centres of disinformation, obstruction, suppression and oppression.[more]
Zimbabwe: Election Fever Hots Up Ahead of Fresh ZUJ Poll
The campaign to elect new leadership for the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) is gathering momentum ahead of polling day in three weeks time.[more]
Zimbabwe: Constitutional Parliamentary Committee Lodges Complaint Against ‘biased’ State Media
The Constitutional Parliamentary Committee (Copac)’s sub-committee on information and publicity has lodged a complaint with Media, Information and Publicity minister Webster Shamu regarding alleged biased state-controlled media coverage of the constitution-making process.[more]
Mozambique: Internet TV Channel Announced
Maputo — The Mozambican government's "Made in Mozambique" campaign took an ambitious step forward on Friday with the announcement that "Made in Mozambique" will soon launch an Internet television channel.[more]
Uganda : Fighting for CBS is a diversionary tactic [opinion]
If CBS have got a case to answer then the government should have taken them to court as soon as the riots ended. Instead president Museveni opted for dialogue that initially came as a meeting with the Kabaka of Buganda after the Sep 11th riots.[more]
South Africa: Weighing SA’s media in age of ‘flat earth’ news [opinion]
A little over a year ago, award-winning British reporter Nick Davies turned his investigative skills on his colleagues in the media and produced a book called Flat Earth News. It shook up British journalism.[more]
Liberia: Savage, Chaotic and Corrupt- Liberia on Western TV & Internet [opinion]
A team of western journalists has produced a series on life in Liberia, depicting the country as chaotic, corrupt and savage.[more]
Cote d"Ivoire: oposition paper "Le Patriote" suspended
After criticising the ruling party the daily paper close to the opposition party Rassemblement des Republicains (RDR) has been suspended for three days. The national press council accused the newspaper of incitement to tribalism, to xenophobia and to revolution. Read the full story from "jeune Afrique" in French.[more]
Ghana: Court drops 'defamation suit' against cartoonist
A Ghana High Court, sitting in Accra, has dropped a four-year-old defamation suit brought against 'Akosua', a cartoonist with the privately-owned Accra-based Daily Guide newspaper, PANA reported Tuesday.[more]
Uganda: Government Has No Moral Right to Demand CBS Apology [opinion]
General David Tinyefunza’s missive to General Salim Saleh of January 12 and General Y. K Museveni’s demands for the owners of CBS to apologise for the September 2009 riots, as a precondition to re-open CBS Radio, must be puzzling and disturbing to many. In particular, one wonders why the Army Generals and the Cabinet are at the forefront of the CBS closure/negotiations and not the Statutory Broadcasting Council.[more]
South Africa: Fifa-We respect the freedom of the press
Fifa on Monday issued a press release which seeks to reassure the media that the purpose of accreditation terms is "not, and has never been, to restrict press freedom". [more]
Uganda: FDC Demands Free Access to Media
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has asked the Government to allow the opposition access to the public and private media without interference. [more]
South Africa: Fifa Accused of 'Bullying', Dictatorial' Tactics
"Yes, they are a group of bullies and dictators - that is what I call them. These infringements simply amount to censorship and are meant to bring us back to the dirty tricks of the old political dispensation," one angry journalist told Bizcommunity.com yesterday, Sunday 30 January 2010.[more]
Zimbabwe: Constitutional process suffering from partisan media coverage
Deputy Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs Jessie Majome has said the country’s efforts to craft a new constitution are being hampered by negative and partisan media coverage from the state media. Speaking on our Rules for our Rulers constitutional programme Majome said the state media was failing to appreciate that a tripartite government was in place and their coverage was not reflecting this.[more]
Zimbabwe: Constitutional Process Suffering from Partisan Media Coverage Lance Guma
Deputy Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs Jessie Majome has said the country's efforts to craft a new constitution are being hampered by negative and partisan media coverage from the state media. Speaking on our Rules for our Rulers constitutional programme Majome said the state media was failing to appreciate that a tripartite government was in place and their coverage was not reflecting this. [more]
Uganda: Mengo Rejects Government Terms On CBS
Kampala — Buganda's attorney general Apolo Makubuya wants the Uganda Broadcasting Council to accord CBS radio a public hearing that will determine whether its owners should apologise or not. He also dismissed the Government's other conditions for re-opening the radio station.[more]
Botswana: Broadcaster withdraws Zim TV license
Controversial Zimbabwean investor, Oscar Kubara has failed to dribble with the National Broadcasting Board (NBB) like he did with the Botswana football authorities.[more]
Mozambique: PARLIAMENT TO DISCUSS FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
Maputo, 29 Jan (AIM) - Hopes have been raised that this year the Mozambican parliament, the Assembly of the Republic, will finally pass freedom of information legislation, that will grant citizens access to information held by public bodies.[more]
Nigeria: Dissolution of Cross River Nigeria Union of Journalists case at High Court
Calabar — The case of the alleged unconstitutional dissolution of the Cross River State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) held August 13, 2009 is billed for hearing again at the Federal High Court, Calabar on February 3, 2010.[more]
Uganda: Government is Living in the Hyena's Mouth [opinion]
Nairobi — Western Ugandans have a fascinating fable about the cost of unbridled greed: With his usual opportunism, Mr Hyena raided somebody's fireplace and made off with a piece of roasting meat. Unfortunately, in his haste, he also ate a piece of red hot charcoal, and remained dancing in agony, unable to spit out the mouthful for fear of surrendering the meat, nor to swallow it for fear of ingesting the fire.[more]
South Africa: Chilly winds are blowing around South African media
South Africa faces a challenging year as far as media freedom is concerned.[more]
Uganda: CBS must say sorry – Museveni
President Yoweri Museveni wants the Central Broadcasting Services (CBS), the Buganda kingdom owned radio station, to apologise before it is reopened. CBS was shut down by the Broadcasting Council on September 11, shortly after violent riots erupted in parts of Buganda, over sectarianism and promoting hatred.[more]
Ghana: Info Bill Falls Short of International Standard
The Right to Information Coalition and its allies have called on Parliament to review the Right to Information (RTI) Bill, bring it in line with international standards and best practices and pass it into law in the shortest possible time. The call came at a public march organized by the Coalition, in collaboration with Publish What You Pay-Ghana (PWYP-Ghana) in Accra on Wednesday to increase awareness on the Bill, mobilize support for its passage into law, and ensure its effective implementation.[more]
South Africa: Can the Public Decide What is in Its Interest? [opinion]
Johannesburg — The commitment of e.tv to the public interest is unparalleled and unrivalled. Or, to put it delicately, eNews has taken the journalistic commitment to the public interest and freedom of the media to new heights, or depths, depending on your vantage point, of course.[more]
South Africa: Entire Sentech board 'to be sacked soon'
Task team report finds several irregularities. The Minister of Communications, Siphiwe Nyanda, is to sack the entire Sentech board - including its chief executive, Sebiletso Mokone-Matabane - on Thursday, according to a reliable source.[more]
Namibia: Dirty propaganda haunts Nujoma
WINDHOEK – Government has come to the defence of former President and Founding Father of the Namibian Nation, Dr Sam Nujoma, who has allegedly become a victim of covert but malicious propaganda by a section of the opposition that has allegedly accused him of smuggling weapons into the country from Asia.[more]
Namibia: Reclaiming Public Broadcasting: Thinking the Impossible? [opinion]
Some people would probably remember Sam Nujoma as the Founding President of the Republic only. Because they might have already forgotten that Nujoma once appointed himself Minister of Information and Broadcasting in 2002, saying he wanted to tackle‘problems’ at the NBC.[more]
Kenya: Govt willing to review media laws, says Ndemo
The government is willing and ready to renegotiate the new media regulations said Information PS Dr Bitange Ndemo during a meeting with industry stakeholders January 28 2010. [more]
South Africa: Mokoetle’s record bodes ill for change at the SABC [opinion]
While senior leaders in the African National Congress (ANC) are fighting among themselves over the spoils of the national democratic revolution, things are falling apart. They are not paying attention to issues that matter, and after 15 years of the ANC in office, education is worse than it was under apartheid. Proposed remedies are nothing but band- aids, which are bound to fail . Another example of this is the so-called transformation of the SABC.[more]
Uganda: Museveni asks CBS to accept tough terms
After chairing a stormy Cabinet meeting that discussed the re-opening of Buganda’s CBS radio, President Museveni met privately with Buganda elders last Friday and communicated the terms his ministers have pegged to getting the radio back on air.[more]
Gambia: Country's Info Director Impressed With YJAG
Isatou Davies-Ann commonly known as Aisha, the director of The Gambia Info has expressed satisfaction at the initiative taken by the Young Journalists' Association of The Gambia (YJAG) to meet the heads of media institutions and discuss the welfare of their reporters, as well as their mode of operation as far as journalism is concerned in The Gambia.[more]
Uganda: Media to Train for 2011 National Elections
Kampala — Radio and television presenters are to undergo training in preparation for the 2011 elections. "The training is aimed at equipping presenters with skills and knowledge to overcome the challenges that come with elections," the research officer for Deepening Democracy Programme, Gilbert Matabi, said.[more]
Uganda: Govt plot to muzzle press freedom leaks
Fresh revelations about the government’s plan to amend the Press and Journalist Act (1995) ahead of the 2011 election have sent shockwaves throughout the journalism community. Many see it as an attempt to further curtail press freedoms.[more]
Malawi: MISA asks GOVT to lift advertising ban
The National Chairperson of the Malawi Chapter of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), Brian Ligomeka has asked government to lift the ban on advertisement which it has meted to Nation Publications Limited, writes Angella Phiri for the Malawi Tribune.[more]
South Africa: Choices for SA’s media in new era of openness [opinion]
My previous column was meant to be the last. But my sense of gratitude to Business Day got the better of me. I have been afforded the privilege of rebelling against mainstream thinking in the media. I was enriched by intelligent responses. Yes, sometimes I had to contend with insults. By allowing diversity of opinion, Business Day has displayed its commitment to democratic engagement.[more]
Uganda: Media Freedom under Threat
The Human Rights Network for Journalists (HRNJ) is concerned with the depreciating level of press freedom in Uganda. It cites the Broadcasting Council and the Uganda Police Force as the biggest threats to the media and the right to freedom of expression in the country. [more]
Ethiopia: Addis moves towards digitising broadcast networkShare
The Ethiopian Radio and Television Agency (ERTA) requested an additional budget of 280 million Br from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development (MoFED) for ongoing projects including the digitisation of television broadcasts. [more]
Kenya: Populism threatens good journalism [opinion]
Some have called it the triumph of populism. From New York to London, Nairobi to Johannesburg, on-screen female TV talent is getting younger, leaner, some say even prettier. It is a development that has left many nonplussed. Many see it as a new form of discrimination and now mourn the invasion of the newsroom by the tyranny of youth and the ‘good looks syndrome’. Neither talent nor qualifications can guarantee older female presenters a job in a newsroom today.[more]
Nigeria: Freedom of Information Bill Falls Again
Lagos — "What is going on really is a process of democracy. The Freedom of Information Bill is not dead yet, and it would not die. It is important to note that this House went to the United States to seek capacity on what we call accountability in office. So we are not against ensuring transparency and accountability through access to information." [more]
Police and e.tv agree to alternative to subpoena
THE subpoena hearing of eNews journalists Mpho Lakaje and Ben Said was postponed in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court yesterday by agreement so an alternative process could be used to resolve the channel’s standoff with the police.[more]
Uganda: Kampala sets out conditions for radio to be allowed back
THE Ugandan cabinet has set out twelve tough demands, before the Central Broadcasting Station (CBS) can be allowed back on air, among them that it changes its physical location and dissociates itself from the traditional king, the Kabaka, writes Dennis Itumbi for jocoza.[more]
Zimbabwe: Journalists Wary of ZMC
MEMBERS of the Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) have no idea how they are going to operate because they have not been formally informed of their appointment, making it impossible for them to start formal engagements.[more]
Seychelles: Tension after demos for open airwaves
TENSION between the government on one side and the media and opposition politicians on the other remains high in the Seychelles after the state fired teargas and rubber bullets, injuring and arresting scores of protesters in the county’s capital Victoria, earlier this month, writes Dennis Itumbi for journlism.co.za. [more]
South Africa: eNews journalists in court for World Cup grilling
The subpoenas were served to force e.tv to provide unedited footage of the interview of the men. [more]
Uganda: Central Broadcasting Services told to move out of Bulange
THE government has set tough conditions for the re-opening of Central Broadcasting Services (CBS) radio, including moving out of Bulange, the seat for the Mengo government.[more]
Kenya: We Are Focusing On Trivia Instead of Real News [opinion]
Nairobi — What passes for 'news' in this country? I want to put to you that what you are consuming is not news at all: it is pointless and irrelevant trivia. Let me start with an admission:[more]
Zimbabwe: Ill-prepared ZBC fails to launch TV2
THE Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation’s much hyped launch of TV2 has failed to take off. According to sources, ZBC which is struggling to attract viewers due to its archaic and partisan programming, delayed the launch due to “technical unpreparedness and lack of programmes to fill up the schedule”.[more]
Zimbabwe: New Threats to Media Freedom
Death threats allegedly made by a senior police officer to a journalist and the arrest of a photographer, all in the space of a few days, have heightened fears of a new onslaught on the country’s media.[more]
Kenya: Broadcasting rules-Media failed to regulate itself [opinon]
As the broadcasting regulations take effect, it is becoming increasingly clear that media owners and those advocating for self-regulation have squandered yet another opportunity to play a constructive role in creating the legal environment in which vibrant media thrive.[more]
Uganda: Don’t criticise Obama; question Museveni! [opinion]
As I drove to work yesterday morning, I chanced upon a discussion about US President Barak Obama’s first year in office on a local radio station popular with young people. The discussion revolved around whether President Obama, whose government has drawn criticism for opposing MP Bahati’s Anti-Gay Bill in Uganda, had somehow ‘betrayed’ those in Uganda who had supported his historic campaign, never mind that this was in thought, not in deed.[more]
Cameroon: Private AudioVisual Media - Proprietors Worried
Since the Minister of Communication announced the end of administrative tolerance on private audio-visual media, managers ponder over many issues.[more]
Zimbabwe: Journalist flees Zimbabwe after death threat
Freelance journalist Stanley Kwenda, who writes for the private weekly, The Zimbabwean, fled the country last Friday after he said he received a telephone threat from a high-ranking police officer, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said quoting the paper's editor, Wilf Mbanga. [more]
Nigeria: Protecting Journalists in Conflict Zones
Last year witnessed a steep increase in number of journalists that lost their lives in the line of duty worldwide. According to a report released recently by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) media practitioners across the globe went through monumental challenges in discharging their duties.[more]
South Africa: Media, social media more intertwined than ever [opinion]
When I was asked to compile this column, I thought I had to be particularly careful not to overlap with other forecasters by talking about the interaction between social networking and media - but it's impossible. Social networking has impacted onto every form of communication, especially media. With just a cellphone you can be aware of what's happening anywhere in the world - virtually as it's happening...[more]
Kenya: Technology shift to drive new innovations in digital broadcasts
The visual broadcasting industry is set for radical changes over the next five years as policy and technology shifts drive new innovation in the sector, analysts say.[more]
Zimbabwe: MDC slams journos’ harassment
Zimbabwean Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai’s MDC party on Tuesday spoke out against harassment of journalists and said reports that a senior police officer had threatened a reporter with death – if true – were a violation of the 2008 power-sharing agreement that brought about the Harare unity government.[more]
South Africa: Subpoena storm - ANC takes aim at e.tv
The African National Congress (ANC) wants e.tv to help police arrest the criminals who threatened to rob Soccer World Cup tourists during interviews broadcast by the station recently.[more]
South Africa: Thin line between press freedom and SA’s battle against criminals
TALK or else” is how veteran journalist Harvey Tyson describes section 205 of the Criminal Procedure Act in his book Editors Under Fire — on the media’s fight against apartheid censorship.[more]
South Africa: TV channel subpoenaed
Two eNews journalists have been ordered to appear in court and reveal the identities of "criminals" featured in a report broadcast on eTV.[more]
Nigeria: Media and President Yar’Adua [opinion]
Shortly after the BBC’s brief telephone interview with President Umaru Yar’Adua hit the airwaves last Tuesday, I got a call from an independent television station. The caller was inviting me to their studio in Lagos to comment on the use of a foreign medium by the presidency to dispel rumours about the president’s purported death. I apologized profusely stating I was indisposed and could not honour the invitation.[more]
Uganda: Radio back on air
UGANDAS Ssubi FM is back on air, four months after the government switched it off, over its alleged role in inciting the public to violence during riots that rocked Kampala City in September last year, writes Dennis Itumbi for jocoza.[more]
Zambia: PAZA chief admits mandate has expired
The Press Association of Zambia (PAZA) national executive committee has admitted that its mandate has expired but said it cannot immediately hold an annual general meeting (AGM) because of financial constraints.[more]
Zimbabwe: Names for new regulator ZMC now agreed by political rivals
MEMBERS of the Zimbabwe Media Commission have now been named, but hopeful media entrepreneurs face further delays before the regulator begins operating and considering licence applications, writes a jocoza correspondent.[more]
Zambia: State to Probe PAZA
HOME Affairs Minister Lameck Mangani has directed the registrar of societies to come up with details about the Press Association of Zambia (PAZA) executive committee to ascertain the leadership's legality.[more]
Namibia: Public Broadcaster DG quits over political interference
Namibia's national broadcaster's Director-General (DG) Mathew Gowaseb has quit his job, becoming the third DG to leave the public broadcaster in one year.[more]
South Africa: New guard takes over at SABC
The next six months are expected to see rapid change at the embattled SABC, including a review of its controversial content hub and the filling of vacant positions. This comes after the new board took over yesterday, alongside group CEO Solly Mokoetle.[more]
Kenya: Opposition to New Media Laws Rages On
Nairobi — A State human rights watchdog on Tuesday criticised the government for introducing archaic, colonial, retrogressive and dictatorial regulations that were meant to undermine press freedom in the country.[more]
Kenya: media to fight new rules
THE Kenyan government and media are headed for a showdown, over new broadcast regulations gazetted last week, writes Dennis Itumbi for jocoza.[more]
Tanzania: Bid to revive Journalist Union
TANZANIAN journalists have elected a seven-member committee to revive the Tanzania Union of Journalists (TUJ), writes Dennis Itumbi for jocoza.[more]
Kenya: Government moves to regulate media
The Kenya media suffered a severe body blow Friday after government published a new set of laws to regulate the industry.The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Communication Dr Bitange Ndemo announced that the Communication (Amendment) Act came into effect on January 1 and will among other things regulate broadcast content and curtail cross ownership.[more]
Tanzania: Dar es Salaam bans papers
The Tanzanian government has banned two newspapers after accusing them of violating journalism ethics.[more]
Zimbabwe: Press and Democracy - Biti Should Know Better [opinion]
THERE was much discussion in the government media over the holiday period of Nestlé’s decision to suspend operations in Zimbabwe. That decision has since been rescinded but we should not leave the subject before noting the following paragraph in the Herald of December 23.[more]
Zimbabwe: Crisis-hit ZUJ Opts for Fresh Polls
THE Zimbabwe Union of Journalists’ dirty linen will not be washed in the courts after an executive controversially elected in December opted to stand down, allowing for fresh elections to be held in February. The battle for control of the ZUJ spilled into the courts in December after some members who were prevented from taking part in the December 4 elections filed a High Court application seeking nullification of the polls.[more]
Kenya: Media Owners Lock Horns With Communications Commission Over Law
A legal battle between the Media Owners Association (MOA) and industry regulator Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK) is simmering over contentious clauses in a new law that is due to be enforced by the end of this month.[more]
Zimbabwe: ZMC-Still too Early to pop Champagne Corks
JOURNALISTS and media organisations have cautiously welcomed the announcement last month of members of the Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC), saying “diametrically opposed viewpoints” could cause friction in the commission, rendering it difficult for it to make any impact.[more]
Uganda: 2009- Another bad year for journalists
The news reporters made news themselves this year, with many journalists and editors feeling real heat. [more]
Zimbabwe: ZANU PF bars independent journalists from covering congress
ZANU PF has moved with speed to bar journalists from the independent media from covering their congress, which is fast degenerating into a fiasco following an open rebellion against Robert Mugabe.[more]
Kenya: Draft Law Requires Journalists to Disclose Confidential Sources [opinion]
Every citizen now has the right to access any information "held by another person" if he requires it to protect any right or fundamental freedom.[more]
Zimbabwe: New paper to debut online before print
Newspaper proprietor Trevor Ncube will launch his new Zimbabwean daily newspaper, NewsDay, on the Web six months before the print edition hits the streets. [more]
Sierra Leone: Mixed Reactions to Libel Laws Ruling
Journalists in Sierra Leone can still be arrested and jailed for writing material considered "libel" regardless if what they published is true or not.[more]
Zimbabwe: State media news editor- new president of journalist’s union
Dumisani Sibanda, the news editor of the state owned Sunday News newspaper, is the new president of the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ). Foster Dongozi the Secretary General who was re-elected unopposed, and who is an independent journalist, told Newsreel the Friday congress in Bulawayo went ahead without incident despite reports suggesting otherwise. It was predicted the congress would be bitterly contested following allegations that the outgoing executive was trying to cherry pick its successors.[more]
Uganda: Journalists sue broadcasting council, govt
Two radio talk show hosts and moderators have dragged the chairman of broadcasting council and the Attorney General to court for having suspended them from broadcasting [more]
Zimbabwe: Parties close to deal on media reforms
Zimbabwe’s three governing parties are close to reaching an agreement on a range of thorny disputes threatening their power sharing agreement, insiders revealed at the weekend. Sources close to the talks said negotiators from Zanu PF and the two Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) formations who have been meeting in secrecy since November 23 had agreed on a raft of media reforms.[more]
Ethiopia: Government re-opens treason trial of 4 newspaper publishers
The Ethiopian government has re-opened the trial of four major newspaper publishers in connection with the 2005 post-election violence in the East African nation.[more]
Uganda: New Report Pulls Plug On Public Broadcaster
Kampala — A new report released yesterday says Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) does not meet the standards of a true public broadcaster. The report, a result of research started in 2008, attempts to correct the misconception about public broadcasting in Uganda, revealing that while many may regard UBC as the country's sole public broadcaster, in reality, the media entity is simply a state broadcaster.[more]
Nigeria: Press Council Bill 2009 - Emasculating Freedom of Expression [Opinion]
The Nigerian Press and Practice of Journalism Council Bill 2009 is too fundamentally flawed and cannot be rescued even with the most diligent effort and best will in the world. The problems are too many and the errors are too far reaching to be remedied.[more]
Ivory Coast: Press Council bans publication of polls on election
The Ivorian National Press Council (CNP) has banned the publication of opinion polls conducted on presidential candidates for the forthcoming election.[more]
Nigeria: AU Orders To Withdraw Media Bill
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights has advised the executive to work with the National Assembly to ensure the immediate withdrawal of the anti-media bill recently initiated by Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa of the House of Representatives.[more]
Zimbabwe: ZANU PF wasting time talking about the ‘pirates’ [opinion]
A news report on Thursday quoted Welshman Ncube saying that the talks which began on Monday focused on “western sanctions against Zimbabwe, pirate radio stations and government appointments including those of the attorney general and reserve bank governor”. While another report said ZANU PF wants ‘the MDC to rein in its supporters in western capitals running “pirate” radio stations’.[more]
Uganda station sacks presenters to appease govt
SUUBI FM, one of the four Ugandan FM stations closed during the September riots in the central region (Buganda), has sacked four presenters in an attempt to persuade the government to reopen it, writes Dennis Itumbi for journalism.co.za. [more]
Ghana: MEDIA MUST Maintain Editorial Independence [opinion]
Last Wednesday, the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) disseminated the findings of its study titled Monitoring Media Reportage on Corruption. The study was conducted by the astute media lecturer, Dr Audrey S. Gadzekpo, Director, School of Communication, University of Ghana, Legon. [more]
Uganda: Museveni's Love-Hate Relationship With Media [opinion]
Kampala — Over the last twenty years, President Yoweri Museveni has baffled observers with his relations with the Ugandan media. He has simultaneously been the strongest promoter of press freedom and its biggest threat. He has jailed and prosecuted as many journalists as he has dined with.[more]
Nigeria: Media Bill - We Are Back to Dark Ages
The Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria has declared that the country is sliding back to the dark ages and an era of government control of the media with the proposed Press Council Bill.[more]
South Africa: ABC reveals newspaper circulation carnage
South African newspapers are showing the strain being experienced by media globally . Prof Anton Harber, head of the University of the Witwatersrand's department of journalism , described the figures as the worst he can remember.[more]
Zimbabwe: Tsvangirai launches new report on Zim broadcasting
The report, titled 'Public Broadcast Services in Africa Series, On Air', the report highlights the problems caused by the state's stranglehold on broadcasting which has resulted in the state-controlled Zimbabwe Broadcasting Holdings (ZBH) enjoying a monopoly.[more]
Zimbabwe: Tsvangirai says "No" to media control by the government
The government should not control the media, Zimbabwean Prime Minister (PM) Morgan Tsvangirai has said, adding that the media should regulate itself the same way other professions do.[more]
South Sudan: Gender stereotyping in the media
JUBA, South Sudan, Nov 19 (IPS) - The guns have gone silent – except for sporadic conflict in parts of the vast South Sudan region, such as the Eastern Equatoria State. It may not be the absolute end of the conflict in the region, but it is a reason for renewed hope.[more]
Liberia: Press under attack- isolated incident? [opinion]
There was once upon a time in Liberia’s dark past when it was fashionable to silence the press by rounding up reporters and editors and incarcerating them for months without charge. There was also a time when anti-media cloak-and-dagger agents used the cover of darkness to raze media houses. [more]
Namibia: Spotlight falls on the role of public broadcasting
MEDIA reform in the coming years needs to focus on the future of public broadcasting in Namibia and legislation on access to information. This was one of the findings of the Namibian edition of the 2009 African Media Barometer (AMB) report.[more]
Nigera: Petition against "Anti Media Bill" submitted to ACHPR
A civil society group, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has petitioned Commissioner Pansy Tlakula, Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) in Banjul, The Gambia, asking her to “urgently intervene to stop the Nigerian government from instigating the passage of a bill in the National Assembly, which aims to undermine the internationally recognised right to freedom of expression and press freedom in the country.”[more]
Scrap media offences demands Uganda Human Rights Commission
The government should immediately scrap laws criminalising media-related offences to allow citizens freely express themselves on governance of the country, the Uganda Human Rights Commission said yesterday.[more]
Uganda: Broadcasters Oppose UBC Control of Digital TV Signals
Local private television broadcasters are worried about the unfair competition that is likely to unfold from a move by the government to entrust Uganda Broadcasting Corporation rights to sell digital television signals.[more]
Nigeria: global media excellence award for Radio Voice of Nigeria
Voice of Nigeria (VON) has won this year’s global media excellence award, organised by the Association of International Broadcasting.[more]
Uganda: Digital TV Broadcast Starts in Kampala
Television set owners will have to procure new equipment to watch television programmes in 2013, under the digital broadcasting regime, Daily Monitor has learnt.[more]
Namibia: Unequal party coverage bad for elections
NEWS coverage of political parties by the NBC is continuing to irk opposition parties in the run-up to next week’s elections. The Nudo Party Youth League Secretary, Pro Laste Ngueumenga, last week told The Namibian that the NBC has been unfair in its radio and television coverage, denying voters equitable access to what each party has to offer.[more]
Opportunities in a media meltdown [opinion]
The global economic crisis has cut a swath of destruction through the media in many countries. Hardest hit, perhaps, have been newspapers in the United States and Europe. Some newspapers have closed their doors; others have given up paper and ink versions for the lower costs of websites; yet others have laid off hundreds of staff. According to studies quoted in a recent Columbia University report titled The Reconstruction of American Journalism, the total number of editorial staffers employed on US newspapers has dropped from 60 000 in 1992 to about 40 000 -- a level previously seen in 1972.[more]
Nigeria: Stakeholders Warn Against Toxic Press Council Bill
Abuja — THE Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, the Nigerian Press Council and other media stakeholders yesterday called for the urgent removal of some clauses seeking government control of the media through various means from a Bill for Amendment to the Nigerian Press Council Act.[more]
Zambia: Court acquits Post editor
A LUSAKA magistrates’ court yesterday acquitted The Post newspapers news editor, Chansa Kabwela on charges of circulating obscene materials after finding her with no case to answer. Chief resident magistrate, Charles Kafunda said when the matter came up for ruling on whether Kabwela should be found with a case to answer or not that there was no evidence to show the said pictures were able to corrupt morals.[more]
Drawing on SA's political landscape
Cartoonists play a unique role in the SA media, writes Glenda Daniels in the Weekender.THE extremely politically engaged cartooning in SA today demonstrates a high level of freedom of expression, says Andy Mason, veteran South African cartoonist and researcher, whose books What’s So Funny? Under the skin of South African Cartooning (Double Storey Books), and Don’t Joke: the Year in Cartoons (Jacana Media), are due for publication in time for Christmas. [more]
Uganda: Allowance row sinks secret military course for journos
EIGHTY Seven upcountry journalists in Uganda are at the centre of a national debate on media ethics, after details emerged indicating that the government had been secretly given them military training at their request, writes Dennis Itumbi for journalism.co.za.Though media ethics are the principal axis of the debate, political science and media experts in the country argue that the move could be President Yoweri Museveni's political card for the upcoming general elections. [more]
Repeal Repressive Media Laws - ACHPR Special Rapporteur Tells Gambian GRN
The Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression of African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, Madam Faith Pansy Tlakula, has called on the government of The Gambia to immediately decriminalize all repressive media laws in order to guarantee freedom of speech and freedom of expression in the country.[more]
Zambia: Surreal drama of 'porn' trial
The trial of a news editor in Zambia, accused of distributing obscene material, is coming to an end. Chansa Kabwela says she sent photos of a woman giving birth without medical help to senior government officials to highlight the effects of a nurses' strike. Jo Fidgen has watched the trial, and reflects on what it reveals about Zambian culture.[more]
Nigeria: Concern, Anger Over New Anti-Media Bill
Lagos — Ten years after the Nigerian mass media survived brutal military dictatorships, a bill is now before the House of Representatives seeking to curtail press freedom and teleguide the practice of journalism in the country. Legislators claim the bill would enhance the practice of journalism but it has been roundly condemned by the Nigerian Guild of Editors which described it as totally unnecessary for the profession and the Nigerian public.[more]
Somalia: Gunmen storm radio station
DETAILS of how a group of armed men loyal to the Al-Shabaab administration in Baidoa town, the regional headquarters of Bay region, stormed Warsan Radio compound and detained one of the reporters, are now being confirmed by the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), writes Dennis Itumbi for journalism.co.za. [more]
Zambia: Media Face Beatings and Attacks
Lusaka, Nov 10 (IPS) - When journalists were beaten by political supporters for covering the president’s return trip from abroad, and cabinet ministers and police officers looked on without stopping it, it seemed to be the last straw in the victimisation of the media. But it was not.[more]
Namibia: NBC coverage skewed
Despite pulling the plug on free airtime for political parties, the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) is still giving Swapo red-carpet treatment. [more]
South Africa: New broadcasting bill needs more airtime
The new Public Broadcasting Bill is a seriously flawed document, and should not be rushed through without extensive further discussion, writes Tawana Kupe in The Weekender.[more]
Kenya: Outsourcing Crisis to a deceased Patriarch [opinion]
Nairobi — Once again, a Nairobi-based publication has given us a trenchant cartoon on the Tanzanian political situation, although this time, mercifully, without arousing too much ire in Dar es Salaam.[more]
Uganda: Journalists Want Protection Law
Kampala — Journalists in Uganda want a law that protects them from being compelled to reveal their sources of information. The Shield Law, as it is called, is a reporter's privilege, and also protects the identity of the source of information even when the State organs pile pressure for details to be divulged.[more]
NBC withdraw political parties’ free airtime
The Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) have cancelled an earlier free airtime allocation to political parties contesting the upcoming election. The reaction by the national broadcaster was saved to counter act some opposition parties’ law suit to have the airtime revised equally among all political parties. [more]
Uganda: Kampala station back on air
UGANDA'S Broadcasting Council has opened the city-based Radio Two closed seven weeks ago for allegedly inciting the violent September riots, writes Tabyu Butagira in the Monitor. Mr Godfrey Mutabazi, chairman of the Broadcasting Council, says the management of the station acknowledges gravity of “the matter at hand and apologised for the misconduct of their staff”. [more]
Zimbabwe: Ncube opens new press
ZIMBABWE'S leading independent publisher, Trevor Ncube, says the launch of his first ever daily paper - NewsDay - is on course despite the crisis in the government of unity which will have to license his project, writes a jocoza correspondent.[more]
South Africa Communiqué: New Bill would abolish TV licenses
The Department of Communications has submitted a draft bill to do away with TV licenses and change how public broadcasting is funded in South Africa. Earlier in 2009, Communications Minister Siphiwe Nyanda announced that the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) had gathered close to R1 billion in television license fees in 2008.[more]
Ugandan king's station challenges closure in court
With all hopes of a negotiated re-opening of Buganda Kingdom-owned Central Broadcasting Service (CBS) fading by the day, the Ugandan kingdom has given the radio station’s workers green light to sue government for damages, almost six weeks after the radio was closed, according to a report in the Observer.[more]
“My aim is to liberalise the press” Mauritanian president tells Reporters Without Borders
Reporters Without Borders has been given an assurance by Mauritanian president, Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, elected on 4 August 2009, that freedom of the press will be one of his priorities. The head of state, on an official visit to Paris yesterday, met a delegation from the worldwide press freedom organisation and in a cordial meeting said he was determined to work to improve the state of press freedom in his country.[more]
Uganda: Riots Probe Delay Raises Concern
Apparent foot-dragging prompts fears that role of army will not be properly investigated. A parliamentary committee of inquiry set up to investigate alleged abuses during September’s Kampala riots is yet to begin its work, prompting some to wonder if the truth behind the violence will ever be known.[more]
Mozambique: MISA praises press coverage of election campaign
The Mozambican chapter of the regional press freedom body MISA (Media Institute of Southern Africa) has praised the Mozambican media for its coverage of the election campaign that ran from 13 September to last Sunday.[more]
Zim editor fired before paper's launch
The launch of the eagerly-awaited NewsDay has been marred by the controversial dismissal of the paper’s editor, Barnabas Thondlana, writes a jocoza correspondent. NewsDay is yet to be given an operating licence by the Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) whose commissioners are yet to be named by President Robert Mugabe.[more]
South Africa: broadband below par
Broadband services in South Africa are very poor as compared to other countries around the world, a new study by the University of Oviedo's Department of Applied Economics and the University of Oxford revealed.[more]
Uganda: Colliding with the Fourth Estate
Bichachi is on police bond, which requires him to report to the Criminal Investigation Department every fortnight.[more]
Somali rebels threaten with death for stories on govt
Threats against Somali journalists have hit a new high, with all rebel groups now issuing death threats based on coverage. Hizbul Islam rebel - the only group that had not issued any threat - now says it will punish with death any journalist who writes any story about the government side, writes Dennis Itumbi for journalism.co.za.[more]
Africa: Role of Media in National Development Takes Center Stage At European Development Days 2009
Stockholm — Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, says the lack of manpower development for media practitioners in developing countries has affected the media's ability to effectively perform its watchdog role. The media, the Liberian leader observed is also poorly equipped to meet the challenges of the new media landscape.[more]
Zambia: Hooligans seize recorders from media houses
On 25 October 2009 recorders from various media houses were confiscated by organized hooligans during the Newsmakers’ Forum that took place at Lusaka Play House which had featured George Mpombo a former Defence Minister.[more]
Namibia: Introducing Namibia's election bloggers
Namibia will hold presidential and national assembly elections on 27 and 28 Novermber, 2009. A number of Namibian journalists will use blogs to report and monitor the elections.[more]
South Africa: New 'Stalking' Bill Worries Media
Johannesburg — Simply for doing their work, journalists and their publications could face criminal charges or damage claims in terms of a new harassment bill approved by the Cabinet last week and due to go before Parliament.[more]
Ujima Project: New access to information tool for African journalists
A new project dubbed Ujima,will use the Freedom of Information Act in developed countries to tap classified material in African countries especially on disbursement of donor funds, major grants and other information including purchase of weapons.[more]
Swaziland: MISA expresses concerns over the Draft Media Commission Bill
MISA-Swaziland notes with great concern that the Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology (ICT),[more]
Somalia: 2 Radio Stations Shut Down
The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) is concerned about the shutdown of two media houses in Baidoa by Al-Shabaab administration. The closure of Warsan Radio and Jubba Radio comes after the Al-Shabab administration in Bay iyo Bakool regions issued today (21 October 2009) a decree ordering the closure of the radio stations for indefinite time.[more]
Guinea: Private radio practising self censorship to prevent attack
Privately-owned radio stations in Guinea have since September 28, 2009 suspended the broadcasts of all political programmes on their networks.[more]
Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) launches Think Tank
Media owners have been urged to let editors work independently within parameters and confines of stipulated editorial policy of a given media house.[more]
Namibia: Political Parties Media Shy?
Windhoek — Political parties seem to be too slow, if not altogether reluctant, to cash in on the space and airtime media houses provide and have been providing in the build-up to the November 27-28 Presidential and National Assembly elections.[more]
Press Freedom Index: JOURNALISTS PREY TO VIOLENCE, POLITICAL CRISES AND INSTABILITY
"Reporters Without Borders" launched its annual Press Freedom Index, which measures the state of media freedom in 169 countries worldwide. By using a methodology that focuses mainly on press freedom violations, the more structural limits of media freedom are not taken into account.[more]
South Africa: Conference Discusses Problems Radio Has to Overcome
Johannesburg — Radio must overcome a number of problems, including its funding model and competition from new media and among stations if it hopes to survive, said delegates at a radio conference at the University of the Witwatersrand.[more]
Zambia: Independent Newspaper Editor-in-Chief on trial for contempt charges
On 14 October, 2009, Editor in Chief of The Post Newspaper Fred M'membe appeared before Magistrate Simusamba to answer to a charge of Contempt of Court contrary to section 116 (1) (d) (i) of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.[more]
Southern Africa: Angola to Host Saba Conference in 2010
Luanda — Angola will host in 2010 the 18th annual conference of the Southern African Broadcasting Association (SABA).[more]
Ghana: Adjei-Barwuah Demands Apology From Two Newspapers
Akuamoah — The former Ghana Ambassador to Japan in the Kufuor administration, Dr. Barfuor Adjei-Barwuah, is demanding the retraction of a story alleging a $125,000 scandal uncovered by the Ghana Audit Service against him, by two newspapers in the country.[more]
Horn of Africa Editors Forum report finds out: repression against journalists on the rise
ERITREA still holds 15 journalists in detention, a new report released by the Horn of Africa Editors Forum says.[more]
South Africa: government to force down mobile costs
South Africa's independent telecoms regulator, ICASA, has taken too long to force the cost of mobile services, prompting the government to get involved.[more]
Botswana: Media Favours the Elite
The 2009 report of the Africa Media Barometer (AMB) has said the media in Botswana is skewed in favour of the elite. It faults the media for failing to give other sections of society, especially those in the lower social stratum, enough coverage.[more]
Seychelles to get regulator
The Seychelles government is promising its journalists intensive consultations before setting up a media regulatory commission, writes Dennis Itumbi for journalism.co.za.[more]
Somalia: extremists group contrains journalistic freedom by religious edicts
Somali's extremist group Al-Shabaab, is taking the battle to media newsrooms, individual journalists, advertisers and even the airwaves, issuing what it calls new directives to govern what goes on air, writes Dennis Itumbi for journalism.co.za.[more]
Uganda: The Media is Not Free
Last month government’s media regulatory body, the Uganda Broadcasting Council, announced that it had indefinitely suspended the broadcast of Ebimeeza (plural for Ekimeeza) until an adequate legal and technical framework has been provided for them.[more]
Botswana: African Media Barometer indicates worrying times for the Media
In this edition we carry a story about the recently released African Media Barometer report on Botswana. The annual report is one of the incisive guides into media development in the country.[more]
Zimbabwe: Freelance journalist arrested for visiting Chiadzwa diamond fields
The Chiadzwa diamond fields in Marange, Manicaland province are still off-limits for journalists working in the country.[more]
East Africa: Country to Remove Accreditation Fees for Foreign Journalists
Kigali — Journalists from the EA member countries may soon work in Rwanda without paying accreditation fees.[more]
Deep tension at Ministry of Information in Zimbabwe
Harare – Tension is simmering within the ministry of information amid suggestions Webster Shamu, the minister, and permanent secretary George Charamba, have completely shut out Jameson Timba, the deputy minister, from decision-making.[more]
South Africa: Online editor threatened
An unlit petrol bomb has been thrown into the home of the editor of an online newspaper devoted to reporting on political matters in Oudtshoorn and the Eden District municipality, writes Ella Smook in the Cape Argus.[more]
Sierra Leone: Journalists at War with Highest Court
Freetown, Oct 9 (IPS) - Umaru Fofana looks dishevelled. His hair is overgrown and people who do not know him could be mistaken for thinking he just joined an Afro band. And his hanging beard will surely solicit suspicious glances.[more]
Zimbabwe: media 'still not free'
As the BBC prepares to broadcast a day of programmes from Zimbabwe for the first time since officials lifted a ban on foreign reporters, Zimbabwean journalist Brian Hungwe says he and his colleagues are still concerned about restrictions.[more]
Senegal: Court grants bail to two detained journalists
A regional tribunal in Kaolack, a town in the western-central region of Senegal on September 30, 2009 released on bail Papa Samba Sene and Abou Dia journalists of privately-owned L’AS newspaper and a radio station Radio Futurs Médias (RFM) respectively.[more]
Guinea: Presidential Guards threaten journalists
A number of journalists were on October 6, 2009 threatened with death by some Red Berets deployed at the Bellevue Presidential Resort in Conakry, the capital of Guinea.[more]
Mugabe: West trying to 'weaponise' ICT
Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe used an appearance at the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) 'World 2009' meeting in Geneva, Switzerland to attack the West for what he called the continued violation of Zimbabwe's airwaves by foreign-based radio stations, writes Lance Guma for SW Radio Africa.[more]
Somalia: Three Kismayo Journalists Flee Threats
Kismayo — Two of the journalists have fled to the self-governing State of Puntland, in northern Somalia, while the third reporter fled to neighboring Kenya.[more]
Zimbabwe: Charamba reveals media commission will be delayed
The licensing of private newspapers, television and radio stations may have to wait a long time after George Charamba, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Publicity, revealed on Tuesday that the Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) will only be set up when all other commissions are formed.[more]
Kenya Times loses defamation case
The Kenya High Court has delivered a judgment against Times News Service, owners of Kenya Times Newspapers that is likely to revive the debate on the validity of the country's defamation laws, writes Dennis Itumbi for journalism.co.za.[more]
Zimbabwe Media boards appointments lawful: Minister
Defiant... Information Minister Webster Shamu insists he has the right to appoint boards to parastatals falling under his portfolio.[more]
Uganda: Shawn Kimuli Takes Over Capital FM's 'Late Date'
Shawn Kimuli joined Capital FM early this year to replace popular weekend DJ Hakeem but now finds himself sitting in for the more revered Capital FM DJ - the late Ronnie Ssempangi.[more]
Tsvangirai wants media boards revised
Harare – Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai said Tuesday that new boards announced last week to supervise state-owned newspapers and oversee the airwaves would have to be revised, in what could mark the start of a fresh tug of war with President Robert Mugabe over senior appointments.[more]
Media register for Mozambique poll
Mozambique has begun accrediting journalists and foreign observers ahead of the October 28th combined multi-party general polls, writes Charles Mangwiro for journalism.co.za.[more]
South-South Radio from Caracas to Africa
Caracas, Oct 6 - Poverty, attacks on human rights and corporate fraud will be among the main news coverage focuses of a new regional public radio network, Radio del Sur, which will link stations from South America and Africa.[more]
Suppressing ‘Enemies' of the State - Journalist abducted in Uganda
In the wee hours of one Saturday morning, Mary Serumaga was woken up by a disturbing phone call. Her younger brother Robert Kalundi Serumaga had just been abducted by four unknown gun-wielding men the previous night.[more]
SABC still probing leak
The staff of the SABC investigative unit, Special Assignment, are being subjected to office raids and are being demanded to take lie detector tests, as the public broadcaster continues its hunt for the person who leaked a programme on political satire it refused to air, according to a media release from the Media Institute of Southern Africa.[more]
New clash in Kenya over self-regulation
The Kenyan government and media are locked in yet another showdown, this time round on the issue of frequencies and the role of the Media Council in self-regulation, writes Dennis Itumbi for journalism.co.za.[more]
Al-Bashir ends censorship
Sudan says it is withdrawing official censorship of the media, writes Dennis Itumbi for journalism.co.za.[more]
Namibia: Swedish TV blasted for ‘exploiting’ minorities
The Legal Assistance Centre (LAC) has accused the Swedish national TV station (SVT) of violating filming conditions and “exploiting minority groups in Namibia” with its new reality show, ‘The Great Journey’.[more]
New law says Rwanda journos will need to study
President Paul Kagame, has finally given his assent to the Media Law, after years of deliberations and consultations, within Parliament and the broader media fraternity, writes Edmund Kagire in The New Times.[more]
Namibia gets media ombud
The Editors’ Forum of Namibia has appointed human rights lawyer Clement Daniels as Ombudsman to deal with public complaints against the media, according to a media release.[more]
Rwanda: Journalists' Court Cases Should Serve As a Big Lesson to Media Practitioners
Kigali — The Nyarugenge High Court on Friday sentenced a local journalist and publisher of a news paper called Rugari to two years of imprisonment after finding him guilty of extortion. Two co-accused, one also a journalist were acquitted and set free.[more]
Names for Zim media body sent to Mugabe
The Speaker of Parliament Lovemore Moyo on Tuesday sent the final list of applicants selected to sit on the new Zimbabwe Media Commission to Robert Mugabe for approval, writes Tichaona Sibanda for SW Radio Africa.[more]
Rwanda to get FOI act
Rwanda's Media High Council is currently drafting a new bill obliging public officials to release information to journalists.[more]
Botswana: Law society view of media law is apt and upright
Bling, a new search engine by Microsoft. In this third attempt they have managed to show us a great search engine. It might be too little too late...[more]
Sierra Leone: radio stations banned
Freetown - Two Sierra Leonean radio stations have been stripped of their licences.[more]


