Citizen journalism as a form of civic participation, is a product of technological advances but also a response to the societal needs to broaden an insufficient or altered information space and make it more adaptable to people’s needs. Many believe the traditional press on the continent is under threat, with commercialization and government interests controlling content and concentrating ownership. A lack of funding is shrinking which limits the ability to do investigative journalism and innovate quickly. Citizen journalists provide, in this context, an opportunity to witness and report on issues affecting people’s daily lives and go directly to the people with the information, using digital tools. The webinar will:
- Analyze the social context of the practice of citizen journalism in Africa.
- Assess the technological basis of citizen journalism and its access limitations.
- Explore relevant and engaging content to gather and amplify citizen voices.
- Reflect on innovative news sources, such as citizen reporting platforms.
- Address quality controls and professional standards, in relation to citizen journalism.
- Evaluate the democratic value of citizen journalism, as a way of appreciating its transformative power
Speakers
- Natasha Kimani, Research and Media Program Lead, Africa No Filter, Kenya
- Sallu Kamuskay, Founder, Salone Messenger Sierra Leone
- Privilege Musvanhiri, Freelance Journalist, Zimbabwe
- Ruth Omar Esther, Freelance Journalist, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Dr. Njoki Chege, Director, Innovation Centre at the Graduate School of Media and Communications, Aga Khan University
Click here to register for the webinar
Moderators
- Emmanuel Yegon, Co-founder & Communications Director at Mobile Journalism Africa
- Aurra Kawanzaruwa, Director, Africa is Digital, Board Member Digital Communication Network Africa, Zimbabwe
Speakers’ Bios
Natasha Kimani
As Research and Media Program lead, Natasha leads ANF’s efforts to connect and build the field of narrative changemakers and to make narrative evidence based and relevant to African conversations.
Natasha is passionate about the amplification of African voices and strongly believes that shifting harmful narratives will lead to increased positive attitudes, perceptions and beliefs about the endless possibilities and opportunities within the continent.
Before joining Africa No Filter, Natasha was the Head of Partnerships and Programmes at Shujaaz Inc. Prior to this, she was an Academy Fellow at Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs where she focused on gender-responsive devolution in Kenya.
She has also held senior positions at the Kenya Law Reform Commission and the Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution. A lawyer by profession, Natasha has extensive experience in public policy, constitution implementation, devolution and governance in East Africa. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Economics, Law and Politics and a Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB).
Natasha currently serves on the boards of Akili Dada and Mzalendo Trust.
Sallu Kamuskay
Sallu was a child during the brutal war in Sierra Leone. Growing up in the midst of conflict, Sallu witnessed unimaginable abuse of children and gross violations of human rights. The horrors he witnessed during the civil war had a terrible impact on him at a very tender age. But despite the shock of the war, Sallu never lost hope. He started on a journey of recovery, studying and working for a better future. At age 15, Sallu entered into the world of activism and advocacy.
Sallu is co-founder and Executive Director of the Salone Messenger Multimedia and public Relation firm (SM). SM is a global platform for young people that brings young emerging leaders, bloggers, activists and storytellers to tell inspiring stories of change-makers and build a community of young people. Sallu has worked on various developmental and policy issues such as Poverty, Climate Change, Human rights, Child Rights, Education, Health, Gender Equality, Civic Engagement, Government policies, Information Communication Technology for Development and the Sustainable Development Goals, and has also been contributing to various global events and advocacy campaigns.
Privilege Musvanhiri
Privilege Musvanhiri is a freelance multimedia journalist based in Zimbabwe’s capital Harare. He is a versatile journalist experienced in radio, television, online, print, mobile journalism and documentary photography. Privilege is also an experienced mobile journalism trainer. He has trained a number of citizen journalists in Zimbabwe to use mobile telephone applications to produce short documentaries and reportage. He is currently the Zimbabwe Deutsche Welle Freelance Correspondent. He has done work for various reputable international media houses including Aljazeera, ARD radio/television, Sky News among others.
Ruth Omar Esther
Ruth Omar Esther is a Christian. Congolese by nationality. Congolese freelance Journalist and a 2020 Media Challenge Fellow. Best technology report award winner at the inter university media challenge 2019. Haut Parleur reporter, reporter and news anchor at POLE FM/GOMA. she’s a storyteller and motivated by social justice storytelling.
Dr. Njoki Chege
Dr. Chege is the Director, Innovation Centre at the Graduate School of Media and Communications- Aga Khan University. The Innovation Centre is aimed at enhancing media viability in East Africa. Based in Nairobi, the center provides training, coaching and mentorship to media innovators in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Njoki has over 9 years’ experience in the media as a journalist, columnist and editor. As the Editor, Lifestyle (Pishi) at Nation Media Group, she was responsible for Pishi, an innovative lifestyle content project. Her research interests focus on media innovation and sustainability. She has previously taught graduate courses at Daystar University.
The webinar is produced by Digital Communication Network Global, World Learning and Mobile Journalism Africa.
