Final

Report

Strengthening Media Freedom

and the Role of Media in Society across Sub-Saharan Africa

2021-2023

Project Ref: 2020-33441

Strengthening Media Freedom

and the Role of Media in Society across Sub-Saharan Africa

2021-2023

Project reference: 2020-33441

WAN-IFRA (FR)

c/o Alliance de la Presse d’Information Générale

69 Rue du Chevaleret

75013 Paris, France

wan-ifra.org

CEO

Vincent Peyrègne

Executive Director, Media Development

Melanie Walker

Executive Director, Press Freedom

Andrew Heslop

Programme Director, Strengthening African Media

Mariona Sanz

Authors and Contributors

Andrew Heslop, Mariona Sanz, Molly Chimhanda, Irene Abalo

Content

Executive summary

The three-year ‘Strengthening Media Freedom ​and the Role of Media in Society Across Sub- ​Saharan Africa 2021-2023’ programme ​(hereafter referred to as the ‘Strengthening ​African Media’ programme), concluded as ​scheduled in December 2023. WAN-IFRA is ​pleased to report results that far exceed the ​stated aims and desired impacts of this ​initiative, as initially outlined in the ​Development Engagement Document (DED), ​which forms the basis of our partnership with ​the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark.

Through this report we present the ​programme’s achievements via both a ​narrative account and key data from internal ​monitoring and evaluation of outputs and ​activities. We look forward to the opportunity to ​provide any additional feedback, and remain ​dedicated to delivering responses to the needs ​of media organisations in Africa and the Global ​South after what has proven to be a dynamic, ​highly responsive, and relevant programme ​offer. We thank the Ministry for its support and ​confidence throughout this three-year ​engagement.

About WAN-IFRA

Supporting the global media industry

Deriving authority from its unrivalled global network of members, legitimacy from its national member associations, ​and formal representative status at the United Nations and other international institutions, our organisation aims to ​drive the global conversation that matters for the future of independent news publishing.

Our mission is to protect the rights of ​journalists and publishers worldwide ​to operate independent media.

WAN-IFRA is the global organisation of the world's news ​publishers, a not-for-profit member-driven organisation ​representing more than 18,000 publications and 15,000 ​online sites through 60 national member associations.

We work with over 3,000 direct corporate members (news publishers, technology entrepreneurs, and education centres) in more than 120 countries.

WAN-IFRA is unique in its position as a global industry ​association guided by a human rights mandate to ​promote media freedom - and the economic ​independence of news media as an essential condition ​of that freedom.

Our culture and standards

We believe that increasing media ​freedom directly strengthens democracy ​and human rights. It is a foundation of ​societal development, whether economic, ​cultural or political. This has been our ​guiding charter with members since 1948.

Like our members, we believe that ​information produced by a free, ​independent, and economically viable ​press is an essential pillar for the proper ​functioning of our society.

Members make what we do possible. ​Driven by our member publishers, ​associations, and technology suppliers we ​believe in solidarity in action and ​community commitment. Our collective ​pool of strengths and skills benefits each ​member of our community, for the good ​of all. Our common values bind us, as do ​our shared history and the valuable, ​trustworthy relationships between our ​members and partners.

Our mission

WAN-IFRA applies a multi-​stakeholder approach that allows ​us to serve the needs of many ​different business, editorial, and ​technology communities.

We are a leading resource for ​media professionals worldwide, ​including publishers, top executive ​editors, chief technology officers, ​digital business officers, national ​representative associations, ​technology entrepreneurs, service ​providers, and research centres.

Three strategic pillars drive our support for a ​sustainable future for the news media:

1. Protecting ​the rights of ​journalists and ​publishers to ​operate free ​media and ​promote ​editorial ​quality and ​professional ​practice

2. Emulate ​members at all ​stages of ​development ​with innovative ​and professional ​services and ​solutions to help ​their businesses ​prosper

3. Provide members with new ideas and applied research that looks beyond what is already known, shows what is possible, and facilitates the technological transition

WAN-IFRA’s mission is to support the ​media industry; the mission of the ​Media Freedom division is to support ​sustainable independent media in ​emerging and transitional markets, ​leveraging expertise, knowledge, and ​networks from within the industry to ​do so - all while advocating for the ​fundamental rights and freedoms that ​underpin a free and independent ​press.

Currently, WAN-IFRA works with ​media in 26 countries throughout ​Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and ​Eurasia, delivering capacity building, ​small grants, and advocacy support ​thanks to programme-specific public ​and private funding.

Our Media Freedom theory of change

Four mutually supporting, essential conditions are necessary in order for media to attain sustainability:

Creating safer digital and physical spaces for media professionals

WAN-IFRA equips media partners with the tools to protect their journalists from physical ​and online threats, promoting a culture of safety in newsrooms and media organisations, ​with an emphasis on women and other vulnerable groups such as LGBTQIA+ communities

Improving financial health

WAN-IFRA works with media to strengthen their capacity to adapt to rapidly changing ​business environments and facilitate cooperation and exchange between media managers

Increasing gender equality, diversity, and inclusion

WAN-IFRA helps drive the leadership and voices of women and diverse people in the news, ​as well as within leadership roles. Specific emphasis is given to broader diversity themes ​including support to, and coverage of LGBTQIA+ issues, and the inclusion of other diversity ​categories in capacity and awareness raising activities

Building audience trust

WAN-IFRA provides editorial skills training and tools for public interest journalism and media ​ethics alongside direct support to high-quality content with the aim of encouraging positive ​social impact

Our range of Outputs ...

• Practical, relevant training modules

• Networked media managers

• Peer-to-peer learning and best-practice sharing

• Relevant, accessible research and resources

• Engaging social impact/public interest content

• Aware, sensitised media managers

• Inclusive, balanced content

• Supported, mentored journalists

• Trained media managers and journalists

• Local advocacy networks (Media Freedom ​Committees)

... lead to a range of Outcomes ...

• Media partners apply strategies to protect staff ​against safety threats

• Media partners apply techniques to protect staff ​from sexual harassment

• Media partners apply business strategies and ​best practices

• Women journalists and other vulnerable groups ​progress in their careers to more senior ​professional roles

• Media partners apply gender diversity, equality ​and inclusion (GEDI) strategies and best practices

• Media apply strategies to produce quality public ​interest journalism

All of which contributes to our goal of enabling

sustainable media, that informs and engages ​democratic societies

Strengthening African Media

Integrating the grant from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark into our strategic approach

The thematic areas included in the ​Strengthening African Media initiative are ​aligned with WAN-IFRA’s strategic approach ​to delivering, monitoring, and evaluating its ​Media Freedom work globally.

This work is designed and implemented ​according to the requirements of individual ​grant agreements, with outputs tailored in ​response to the foreign policy and/or ​development engagement objectives agreed ​under long-term collaborations with both the ​Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the ​Swedish International Development ​Cooperation Agency (Sida).

Wherever practical, programme activities are ​streamlined between individual grants to ​maximise efficiencies, improve learning ​experiences, and provide value for money to ​all donors. This can include the sharing of ​baseline organisational information, key ​market data and due-diligence, shared ​networks and contacts, joint workshop ​delivery, shared activity costs, and a common ​approach to knowledge management.

WAN-IFRA recognises that it is crucial to avoid ​over-saturation when operating multi-priority, ​multi-donor engagements in countries with a ​limited available pool of media professionals to ​support.

Despite working from a common strategic ​approach, individual programmes have ​specific objectives and distinct goals; this is ​further complemented by close coordination ​between programme teams and the oversight ​of two executive directors who jointly oversee ​WAN-IFRA’s Media Freedom portfolio.

• A cross-cutting ​theme, mirroring ​that of WAN-IFRA’s ​organisational ​priorities, is to ​foster new ​connections and ​exchange networks ​between media ​partners, while ​advocating at an ​industry and ​structural level for ​greater protections ​and rights on ​priority themes.
  

Programme context

African newsrooms are struggling with the ​financial implications of the global health ​crisis, with significant decline in advertising ​and audience revenues compounding an ​already extremely stretched market that ​has led to catastrophic losses and ​threatens the very survival of independent ​media in many countries. Many ​organisations continue to lag behind in ​digital transformation as a result of having ​prioritised print titles while revenue ​continued to flow, and while data costs ​remained prohibitive. Retrenchments and ​layoffs across editorial and business staff ​have accelerated, and it is as yet unknown ​how many of Africa’s independent media ​sources will be left standing once the ​pandemic has fully run its course.

This comes at a vital moment ahead of ​important elections in a number of African ​states, and with deadlines for effective ​climate action fast approaching and the ​potentially devastating effects of ​widespread economic recession and ​unemployment post-COVID still to be fully ​measured.

A free and independent media has a ​crucial contribution to make to ​safeguarding democratic institutions and ​the rule of law – without it, according to ​US-based organisation Freedom House, ​“citizens cannot make informed decisions ​about how they are ruled, and abuse of ​power, which is all but inevitable in any ​society, cannot be exposed and ​corrected.” In addition, the vacuum ​created by the disappearance of ​professional media will be filled – with ​potentially dangerous consequences - by ​social media and online ‘influencers’. This ​situation is exacerbated by a growing ​decline in public confidence in traditional ​media – findings from the latest ​‘Afrobarometer’ surveys, conducted ​between 2016 and 2018, suggest that ​support for media freedom is in sharp ​decline across the continent as a result. ​Underlying all of this is a need for greater ​safety and increased protection for media ​professionals in the face of rising ​challenges. Training of individuals and ​added capacity at the organisational level ​are necessary to contribute to ​engendering - and prioritising - a culture of ​safety.

This grant engagement seeks to ​contribute to citizens in Sub-Saharan ​Africa – specifically Botswana, Kenya, ​Malawi, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, ​Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe - ​continuing to have access to accurate, ​independent information and a range of ​diverse opinions from quality, professional ​media sources that help them to make ​informed decisions and strengthen the ​democratic process.

According to the Reporters Without ​Borders (RSF) 2020 World Press Freedom ​Index, the proposed engagement ​countries have been classified with the ​following rankings:

Botswana (39) – fairly good; Kenya (103) – ​problematic; Malawi (69) – problematic; ​Rwanda (155) – bad; South Africa (31) - ​fairly good; Tanzania (124) – bad; Uganda ​(125) – bad; Zambia (120) – bad; Zimbabwe ​(126) – bad.

[Between inception and termination of the ​grant, six out of nine countries have ​improved scores in the 2023 RSF Index.]

Safety

Over recent years, killings and physical attacks, ​imprisonment, abduction and online harassment of ​journalists have reached historic levels around the ​world. Media investigating organised crime, terrorism, ​and government actions where transparency, ​accountability, and the rule of law are often the most ​eroded are increasingly the targets of reprisals ​designed to silence reporting and limit the freedom of ​the press to work in the public interest. These attacks ​represent a fundamental threat not just to individual ​news professionals, but also to the sustainable practice ​of independent journalism and the financial and ​business operations of an entire economic sector.

Local media are by far the most vulnerable in the face ​of these threats and record the vast majority of attacks ​against journalists. Local media organisations, ​journalists, editors and freelancers – the entire ​ecosystem of news production - all need to raise their ​awareness of the differing and evolving nature of ​threats and receive better training on how to apply ​safety practices, develop adequate protocols, and ​mitigate risks both online and offline. Equally, mental ​well-being needs to be considered as key to ensuring ​media professionals have the relevant support ​networks and can continue to effectively – and safely - ​perform their roles.

Advocacy + Networks

Media organisations need to collaborate more ​effectively to exchange best-practices and face ​common threats together. National and regional ​cooperation can take the form of joint advocacy ​actions, joint skills building workshops and e-learning ​opportunities, regional and global networking events ​or campaigns, and knowledge and best-practice ​sharing that contributes to raising the capacity of ​media to respond to threats and maintain its public ​interest role.

The sharing of professional practice, editorial and ​business knowledge, and newsroom management ​skills is fundamental to raising the quality and ​sustainability of media. Such exchanges also allow for ​a two-way transfer of knowledge to better understand ​the media freedom environment, unite around ​common regional or global initiatives, share best-​practice in advocacy and campaigning methods, and ​provide support and solidarity to colleagues in other ​markets.

Capacity + Skills

Media need to be financially and editorially ​independent in order to fulfil their crucial role of ​providing reliable and accurate information for ​citizens to make informed decisions in their lives. The ​current economic outlook for media worldwide, and ​particularly across the African continent, makes it ​imperative for media to deploy sound business and ​editorial management for news organisations to ​navigate a landscape where shrinking revenues ​place immense pressures on content production.

It is crucial to equip African media with the technical ​capabilities and management capacities that can ​help them to thrive in the digital age by improving ​individual skills, prioritising efficiencies and innovative ​approaches to content production and business ​operations, and strengthening the overall market ​position of the media sector. To ensure a plurality of ​information and opinion, and contribute to business ​success, tailored needs-based capacity building ​offers added value to media organisations by ​strengthening their product offering and increasing ​their ability to withstand financial pressures.

Country context

Botswana

Botswana is generally considered to have a relatively free ​press environment with laws in place that protect freedom of ​expression. However, there have been incidents where ​journalists have faced challenges or restrictions in their work. ​Botswana has one state owned newspaper, and ​approximately 14 privately owned titles. There are three ​private radio stations and one privately owned TV station.

The Media Practitioners Association Act was enacted in ​2022 to promote the independence of media and ensure ​the maintenance of high professional standards. The law also ​provides for the registration of journalists and media ​enterprises as well as professional bodies in the media ​industry. The law on access to information has yet to see the ​light of day.

While journalists are rarely detained or arrested, they are ​sometimes the victims of police violence, especially during ​protests, and the intelligence services use spyware to ​monitor their communications.

Partners

The Weekend Post, Duma FM, Noble Magazine, ​BBC, Botswana Television BTV, CBET (Pty) Ltd: ​Botswana Guardian / The Midweek Sun (print), Daily ​News Botswana, Dikgang Publishing Company: ​Mmegi and Monitor, Gabz FM, Kgola Media, NDI ​Nkazi News, Relay Media and Communications, ​Sunday Standard / Telegraph, The Voice, Venus ​Media, Voodoo Magic, Yarona FM, YTV

Kenya

Kenya’s media landscape has evolved alongside the ​country’s various political regimes. In September 2023, the ​Cabinet Secretary for Information, Broadcast and Digital ​Economy nominated a task force that included journalists, ​digital strategists, and academics to review key laws in the ​sector - including some that are more than 30 years old.

A Pakistani journalist’s murder in Kenya in October 2022 ​highlighted the dangers that media personnel face.

In the post-2022 election period, the Communication ​Authority of Kenya attempted to bar Kenyan media from live ​reporting anti-government protests. Both in the run-up, and ​post-election periods the media was split, with owners taking ​sides with political classes and influencing editorial coverage. ​The president and deputy president, amongst other ​government officials, have been heard profiling journalists. A ​few journalists have been arrested without charge. In June ​2023, a government minister threatened Nation Media ​Group (the largest media in the region) over an investigative ​story, denying them government advertising. He also ​warned state officials from giving business to NMG.

The financial health of most media organisations has ​deteriorated, with many facing significant challenges in ​raising revenue post-COVID and also navigating the new ​government structure. The Nation Media Group has faced ​three rounds of downsizing and restructuring within the past ​year. The Standard Group, the oldest and one of the largest ​media organisations, has had difficulties making payroll.

Partners

The Nation Media Group, The Standard Group ​PLC, Radio Africa Group, Gemnet, Sky 106.1 FM, ​The Star, AFEJ, Africa Uncensored, AMWIK: ​Association of Media Women in Kenya, Baraka ​FM, Capital Media Group CGTN Africa, EMOO ​FM, Ghetto Radio, Journalists for Human Rights, ​Kenya Editors Guild, Kenya Broadcasting ​Corporation: KBC, Kenya Union of Journalists: ​KUJ, Kigame Media, KNA, Kwithu FM, MBCI TV ​and Radio, Mediamax Network Limited, Ministry ​of Information, Ndizi TV, Pamoja FM, Radio Amani ​Community Radio, Radio Rahma, Radio Tandaza ​103.7 FM, Radio Yetu, Republika Daily ​Newspaper, Royal Media Services, Sayare Media, ​SJ News, The Sun Weekly, Thome FM, Trinity FM, ​Tuko Media, TV 47

Malawi

While there is a semblance of press freedom in Malawi, there ​are a few powerful individuals who do not hesitate to ​frustrate journalists and prevent them from doing their work. ​Unfortunately, reporting cases of harassment amounts to ​nothing as no action has been taken in the few cases that ​have been raised. For example, in May 2023, ruling political ​party members assaulted a reporter during the president's ​official opening of the Malawi Bureau of Standards complex; ​to-date, no arrests have been made.

Freedom of expression is enshrined in the constitution, and ​the access to information law that took effect in September ​2020 was a big step forward for press freedom. But insulting ​the president is still punishable by imprisonment, as is ​posting “offensive” messages under the 2016 cybersecurity ​law. The creation of the Communications Regulatory ​Authority of Malawi was an encouraging development.

Several cases of physical attacks on journalists, especially by ​political party activists or police, have been reported in ​recent years. Journalists are still sometimes arrested ​arbitrarily: a Nyasa Times news website reporter was ​questioned by police in April 2021 in connection with a story ​critical of the president.

On 8th December 2023, Malawi passed the Data Protection ​Bill which, when enacted, will provide for a comprehensive ​legal framework for the regulation of the processing and ​movement of personal data in compliance with ​internationally accepted standards of data protection.

Partners

Nation Publications, Capital Radio Malawi, ​Chanco Community Radio, Association of ​Environmental Journalists, Association of ​Women In Media, Blantyre Synod Radio, ​CAN Radio, CFC Radio, CRS, Dowa ​Community Radio, Dzimwe Community ​Radio, Jangwani FM, Kulinji, Kuwala FM, ​Malawi Broadcasting Corporation, Malawi ​Editors Forum, Malawi Human Rights ​Commission, Malawi Institute of ​Journalism, Malawi News Agency, Malawi ​Union of Journalists, Maziko Radio Station, ​Monitor Publications, Mudziwathu ​Community Radio, Mzimba Community ​Radio, PLFM, Radio ABC, Radio Islam, ​Malawi Rumphi FM, Times Group, Ufulu ​FM, Umoyo Radio, Weekly Mail, Yoneco ​FM, Youth Net & Counselling, Zodiak ​Broadcasting

Rwanda

The media in Rwanda is currently regulated by the Rwanda ​Media Commission (RMC), which suffers from a lack of ​clarity over the limits of its mandate. This affects the ​freedom of the press as the Commission faces interference ​from other regulators.

The Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC) in Rwanda is ​currently revising its media policy; however, media viability ​has not been formally taken into consideration by the new ​policy.

The advertising market is limited by the absence of a strong ​private sector independent of the ruling party. Corruption is ​widespread and some journalists are offered advantages to ​influence their coverage.

TV channels are controlled by the government or by owners ​who are members of the ruling party. Most radio stations ​concentrate on music and sports to avoid problems. In a ​country of 12 million people, there is no longer a single ​national newspaper. Investigative journalism is not widely ​practiced, and journalists who have tried to circulate ​sensitive or critical content via YouTube or other online ​outlets in recent years have received harsh sentences.

Many methods are used in Rwanda to prevent journalists ​from working freely, including surveillance, espionage, arrest, ​and enforced disappearance.

Partners

Umuseke, Isango Star TV and Radio, Kigali Today, ​Agasaro Publishing Ltd, Association for Media Women ​Rwanda: ARFEM, BTN TV Ltd, DW, Energy Radio, Flash, ​Impamba News, Indatwa, Intego Media Group, Iriba ​News, Kiss FM, Nonaha.com, Panorama, Pax Press, ​Radio Huguka, Radio Isangano, Radio Ishingiro, Radio ​Maria: Rwanda, Radio Salus, Radio TV10 Rwanda, ​Rwanda Broadcasting Agency: RBA, Rwanda Journalists ​for Sustainable Development: RJSD, Rwanda News 24, ​Strong News Rwanda, The Bridge Magazine Rwanda, ​The Forefront Magazine, The New Times, The Voice ​Magazine: Rwanda, TV1 Rwanda, Ubumwe

South

Africa

The 1996 constitution protects press freedom, but ​apartheid-era and anti-terrorism laws are used to limit ​reporting on institutions deemed to be in the “national ​interest.” A new law provides for penalties of up to six ​months in prison for spreading false news about the COVID-​19 pandemic. In 2021, the Constitutional Court ordered ​changes to the law on intercepting communications in order ​to safeguard the confidentiality of journalists’ phone ​conversations and the need to better protect their sources.

Very high operating costs hold back the development of ​small, independent media outlets, which have been ​decimated by the worst economic downturn in decades ​resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The presidency of ​Cyril Ramaphosa is often accused of using the government’s ​considerable discretionary powers to favour certain media ​outlets through advertising expenditure.

Political tension sometimes gives rise to disinformation or ​smear campaigns against media outlets, especially on social ​media. The ruling African National Congress (ANC) has at ​times resorted to such campaigns, but those waged by the ​Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), one of the opposition ​parties, are by far the most virulent. Its leaders and ​supporters do not hesitate to incite violence and accuse ​certain journalists of racism.

Partners

013 News, Capital FM, Daily Maverick, Caxton, Ekurhuleni ​News, Energy Radio, Go and Express, Loxion News and ​City News, Media 24, Radio France Internationale, Ratlou ​FM, SABC, Talk of the Town, Hashtag Our Stories, The ​Herald: South Africa, Mail & Guardian

Tanzania

Politics continues to play a major role in Tanzania’s media ​dynamic. The law further limits private and commercial ​investment in the media, and restricts training directed to ​media by foreign entities. However, conversations are ​ongoing on how the media environment can be more ​friendly. The process to review oppressive policies, laws and ​regulations is in progress and conditions for online media ​registration have been relaxed.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to reduced government ​advertising spending as a cost-cutting measure. Coupled ​with the private sector’s shrinking advertising and publicity ​budget, the situation has not only led to some media houses ​scaling down their operations, but has also compromised ​their independence and stability.

However, other media organisations have looked for ​alternative revenue streams to sustain business operations. ​Clouds Media Group, which owns Clouds FM and Clouds TV, ​organises a range of entertainment events to boost their ​income. Azam Media Limited, the owner of Azam TV and ​Azam UFM, generates additional revenue through charging ​subscription fees for certain types of content. Mwananchi ​Communication Limited (MCL), publishers of the Citizen, ​Mwananchi and Mwanaspoti, now offers courier services. ​Monetisation of online content is still a challenge as the ​majority of people are not used to paying a fee for the ​content they consume. In addition, most newsrooms have ​yet to embrace any form of convergence.

Partners

Azam Media Group, Kiss FM, Mwananchi ​Communications Ltd, Radio Kwizera FM, Abood ​Media, Afya Radio, BBC, CGFM Radio, Chagua Kua ​Mwema, Classic FM, Clouds FM, Daily News: ​Tanzania, Dodoma FM, DW, East Africa Television: ​EATV, Good Harvest Organisation, Habarileo, ​Highlands FM, Radio Hits FM, Irangi FM, ITV, J Light ​Studio, Kings FM, Kiss FM: 98.9, Majira Newspaper, ​Matukio Na Maisha, Mazingira FM, Mlimani Media ​Newspaper & Radio: University of Dar Es Salaam, ​Must FM, Newala FM, Nipashe Newspaper, Nukta ​Africa Limited, One Acre Fund, Radio Faraja FM, ​Radio Free Africa, Rungwe FM, Sahara Media Group: ​Star TV, Saut, Selous FM, Sibuka TV, Starter Gospel ​Radio, Storm FM, Tanzania Broadcasting ​Corporation: TBC, Tanzania Standard Newspapers, ​TBC Taifa, The Guardian Limited, Uhuru Media ​Group, Ushindi Radio, Wapo Media

Uganda

While there are 300 radio stations spread across the ​country, the most recent report from the Uganda ​Communications Commission (UCC) states that only 68 of ​them are officially approved to operate. The government has ​employed legal and regulatory mechanisms to control and ​suppress the media, raising concerns about the overall state ​of press freedom in the country. Restrictive laws and ​regulations have been enacted to limit the ability of ​journalists to report freely, particularly on politically sensitive ​topics. One of the most notorious of these is the Anti-​Homosexuality Act which has had severe consequences that ​also affect how the media tackle the subject. Any ​communication that promotes homosexuality carries the ​threat of a 20-year imprisonment, while failure to report a ​case of homosexuality results in 6 months in jail. This has put ​the media in a very precarious position, unable to report or ​run stories that relate to the topic.

Uganda's media environment faces challenges concerning ​press freedom and the ability of journalists to work without ​hindrance. Journalists have experienced various forms of ​government interference, censorship, and intimidation, ​including physical attacks on journalists, media shutdowns, ​and harassment. There have been instances where media ​outlets have engaged in self-censorship due to fear of ​government reprisals.

An improvement was seen when the Constitutional Court ​struck down a provision of the Computer Misuse Act that ​criminalised the publication of “fake news”.

Partners

The Observer, Central Broadcasting Service Ltd, 97.0 ​Delta Radio, African Institute for Investigative ​Journalism, African Ringer, AfricaNews, AKU-GSMC, ​BBS Terefayina, Buyamba FM, CBS FM/ BBS TV, Eye ​Radio, Female Journalists Forum: Uganda, Gulu FM, ​Imagine Me Africa, Jubilee Radio, Kabarole Research ​and Resource Center, Kingdom Media, Makerere ​University, Mega FM, Monitor Publications, Nation ​Media Group Uganda, NBS Television, New Vision ​Group Uganda, Northern Uganda Media Club: ​NUMEC, Radio - CBS Emmanduso (89.2), Radio Pacis, ​Radio Paidha, Radio QFM 94.3 Lira, Radio Rupiny, ​Rwenzori FM Eiraka Radio, See TV, Select News, ​Speak FM, Step FM, Ubuntu Times, UG Post, Uganda ​Broadcasting Corporation, Uganda Radio Network, ​Uganda Refugee and Migration Network, UNICEF, ​Urban TV, URN, Vanguard Media Limited, Voice of ​America: VOA, Voice of Teso, Voice of the Gospel Lira, ​Voice of Tooro Radio, Zodiak Broadcasting.

Zambia

The former ruling party, the Patriotic Front (PF), maintained a tight grip on both state and privately owned media, resulting in media outlets being shut down and outspoken journalists being fired. The situation has improved since the new government took over in August 2021 – interference has decreased and the media are operating more freely. In February 2022, a court ruled that the closure of Zambia’s most important independent newspaper, The Post, in June 2015 was illegal. This was an encouraging sign.

The Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act that was adopted in March 2021, officially with the aim of protecting Zambian citizens from online abuse, is seen by many journalists and bloggers as a tool to muzzle the online press. The Defamation Act was often used under the previous government to arrest citizens and journalists on charges of defaming the president.

Implementation of the Access to Information Law, finally signed in December 2023 after over 20 years, has been the missing piece that affects media freedom, making it difficult for journalists to gather accurate information, compromising their ability to verify facts, and obtain official information - particularly related to the government and its institutions.

Both private and public media are struggling financially, with ​the private sector facing more significant challenges. During ​and post-COVID, media houses experienced a decline in ​revenue from sales and advertising. Almost all media are ​struggling financially and failing to pay salaries as a result. ​Most have been forced to seek alternative revenue streams.

Partners

Daily Nation Newspapers, Zambia Daily Mail, Mphangwe Community Radio, ​3FM, Alist Media and Loyola TV, Artatwork Media Production, BBC, Byta FM, ​Camnet TV, Capital FM, Cavendish University CBC, Channel 5 Television ​Network, Channel Africa, Chikuni Radio, Classic Woods Radio, Crown TV: ​Zambia, Daily News Zambia, Daily Star, DC Talk Radio, Diamond TV, Dignitate ​Zambia Limited, Falls FM Livingstone, Feel Free Radio, Flava Radio Limited, ​Free Press Initiative: FPI, Hot Media, Internews, JC Media Group, K-FM Radio, ​Kalemba, Kalomo Community Radio Station, Kasempa Community Radio, KBN ​TV, Keyona TV: Bulawayo, KFM, KNC TV, Kokoliko FM Radio, Kwithu FM, ​Lusaka Times, Makanday Media Centre, Mast Newspaper, Mazabuka ​Community Radio, Millenium TV, Millennium Radio, MISA Zambia, Mkhanya ​FM, Mombotwa, Mpika Community Radio, MTV, Muchinga Radio, Mufumbwe ​Community Radio, Munati TV, Muvi TV, Nation Publications Limited, New ​Apostolic Church, New Age Newspaper, News Diggers, Nkani, Pan Africa ​Radio, Peopose Radio, Phoenix FM: Zambia, Power FM: Zambia, PPDA, Prime ​TV, Q FM/Q TV, Radio Chimwemwe, Radio Christian Voice, Radio Luswepo, ​Radio Mano Community Station, Radio Maria: Zambia, Radio QFM 94.3 Lira, ​Rainbow TV, Real Radio, Rise FM Radio, SABC, Scooper News, Skyz Metro FM, ​Solwezi Radio Station, South Power Radio, Spring 24 TV, Suma Systems, Sun ​FM Radio and TV, Talk FM, The Independent Observer, The Sun Newspaper ​Zambia, The Watch Newspaper, Times Of Zambia, Tuta Radio, Ubuntu Times, ​Unza Radio, Voice Of Kalomo, Wave FM Radio, Yar FM, YG FM, Zambezi FM, ​Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation: ZNBC, Zambia News and ​Information Services: ZANIS, Zambia Reports, Zamcom,

Zimbabwe

On the legal front, the government is pushing for the ​enactment of the Media Practitioners' Bill which has been on ​the table for some time now. It is envisioned that the Bill will ​help professionalise the media industry in Zimbabwe and ​raise standards across the profession. The Bill is likely to be ​signed into law in the first half of next year, with consultations ​on the legal framework still ongoing.

The political situation in Zimbabwe was unsure as the ​country headed into general elections in 2023: profiling of ​foreign media personalities entering the country in the run-​up to the polls held between 23-24 August significantly ​increased.

However, while previous elections have seen a lot of ​restrictions placed on local media, fewer press freedom ​violations were witnessed in the 2023 cycle. Key ​stakeholders, such as the Media Alliance of Zimbabwe ​(MAZ), worked around the clock making a range of ​interventions to ensure a safe, conducive environment for ​journalists and media workers pre-, during and post-​electioneering period.

Post-elections, there have been no media or press freedom ​infractions recorded.

Partners

Zimlegends Online, Zimpapers, 263Chat, AB Communications, ​Alpha Media Holdings, Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe, ​Bustop TV, Classic FM, Community Podium, Community Radio ​Harare: CORAH, Enviropress Zimbabwe Trust, Eye Zimbabwe, ​Health Times, Ilanga, Jester Media Services T/A Associated ​Newspapers Of Zimbabwe, Lotsha FM, Media Alliance of ​Zimbabwe, Midlands State University, Mining Index, MISA ​Zimbabwe, New Ziana, Newshawks, Nkululeko Rusununguko ​Television: NRTV, Ntepe FM, Pan Africa Radio, Sky 106.1 FM, Skyz ​Metro FM, Sly Media, Spotlight Zimbabwe, Tellzim News, The ​Entrepreneurial Magazine, The Midlands Observer, Masvingo ​Mirror, Umthunywa, Voice of America: Zimbabwe, Voice of the ​People, Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe, Walpe, Women's ​Weekly Journal, YA FM, Zim Now, Zim Star News, Zim Village Voice, ​Zimbabwe Association of Community Radio Stations: ZACRAS, ​Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation: ZBC, Zimbabwe Gender ​Commission, Zimbabwe Media Commission: ZMC, Zimbabwe ​National Editors Forum: ZINEF, Zimbabwe Union of Journalists: ZUJ

Strengthening African Media ​Theory of change

Strengthening African Media - Programme Theory of Change

Objective

Contribute to citizens in Sub-Saharan Africa continuing to have access to accurate, independent information and ​a range of diverse opinions from quality, professional media sources that help them to make informed decisions ​and strengthen the democratic process

Media ​professionals are ​safer

Media ​organisations adapt ​for sustainability

There is diversity of ​content and opinions

Media are socially ​impactful

Baseline 2021:

Media professionals in intervention ​countries are exposed to significant ​risk and/or suffer gaps in editorial ​and business management skills; ​media organisations are under ​severe financial pressures and are ​more vulnerable to external ​influence; significant risk of a ​reduction in public interest ​reporting

Outcome 1

Media professionals respond to internal and external threats

Outcome indicator:

1.1: Evidence of measures to protect staff against physical and digital threats and to ​address mental well-being

Outcome indicator:

1.2: Evidence of collaboration between media organisations and among media ​professionals, including appropriate responses to national and regional press freedom ​threats

Output level target by ​the end of 2023:

Participating media ​professionals have a ​better understanding of ​physical and digital ​safety and how to ​manage risk. Media ​organisations are ​applying relevant SOPs ​and embrace a culture ​of safety

Outcome 2

Media inform audiences on major societal issues

Outcome indicator:

2.1: Evidence of media addressing skills gaps and organisational competencies to thrive in the digital age

Outcome indicator:

2.2: Evidence of media producing socially impactful reporting

Strengthening African Media

Key results

Impact indicators

74% of news organisations have improved ​policies around safety

Out of 25 media organisations engaged in #SaferMedia activities

66% of programme countries have risen in the ​World Press Freedom rankings since 2021

Six out of nine countries have risen in the latest RSF World Press Freedom Rankings

National media policies have been influenced in ​Botswana, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe

Over 50% of media partners report improved ​stability and audience growth

Self-diagnostic scores issued through the WAN-IFRA Rapid Digital Maturity Tracker ​(RDMT), and by tracking audience and social media growth year over year. This data ​is volunteered by partners.

67% of newsrooms are applying new editorial ​skills and upholding media ethics

Of those who responded to end of programme survey

Over 50,000,000 people are estimated to have ​been reached by social impact reporting grants

Self-reported audience figures from participating media

Media professionals are safer

Media organisations adapt for sustainability

There is diversity of content and opinions

Media are socially impactful

Indicator 1.1

Indicator 1.2

Indicator 2.1

Indicator 2.2

Evidence of measures to protect staff against physical and digital threats and to address mental well-being

Evidence of ​collaboration between ​media organisations ​and among media ​professionals, ​including appropriate ​responses to national ​and regional press ​freedom threats

Evidence of media addressing skills gaps and organisational competencies to thrive in the digital age

Evidence of media ​producing socially ​impactful reporting

Over 950 media ​professionals have acquired ​new skills and methods of ​approaching physical ​safety, organisational ​safety, digital security, ​online harassment, and ​mental well-being.

95% of organisations now ​make use of ​communications plans for ​assignments.

(Baseline: 47%)

76% of organisations now ​deploy a formal risk ​assessment process. ​(Baseline: 19%)

Over 340 media professionals from nine countries have closed skills gaps across five distinct areas: election reporting, investigative journalism, data journalism, mental well-being, and financial reporting.

81% of media have improved knowledge and understanding of specific reporting topics.

58% of media have improved their editorial operations by being better prepared for assignments.

Over 430 journalists and media managers have developed or acquired new skills and techniques to better advocate for media freedom.

Over 100 media organisations are working together on responses to press freedom threats across nine countries.

50% of actions engaged public officials to influence policy development.

Participating media managers and journalists are:

Media organisations:

More resilient to internal and external challenges

Are better able to withstand pressures

Have updated skills

Can fulfil their public interest role

Output level results

Targets exceeded: Three-year quantitative targets across Outputs 1 ​(Safety), 2 (Advocacy + Networks), and 3 (Capacity + Skills) have been ​met, and in many cases were exceeded

Strengthening African Media ​Observations

Beneficiary-driven approach in response to needs of local media

While the three main project activity areas were established from the beginning of the engagement, the subjects that were to be ​addressed within each of these output areas were left open. A flexible approach has been key to the success of a programme ​strategically designed to respond to the diverse and evolving needs of long-term media partners. While the programme began during ​the COVID-19 pandemic, this flexibility has ensured relevance in the long-term. Multiple assessments have been issued to determine the ​needs of media partners, while local Media Freedom Committees have also been encouraged to submit priority-based activity plans. ​The constant monitoring and revision of partner needs has also been possible thanks to the collaboration with WAN-IFRA Media ​Freedom’s Women in News (WIN) programme staff on the ground, ensuring constant communication with media partners.

From inception, the Strengthening African Media programme was structured lightly in terms of administrative and HR costs, instead ​prioritising an ambitious activity-led approach. The programme relied on existing infrastructure that has been in place for a number of ​years via WAN-IFRA Media Freedom’s Women in News (WIN) programme - funded via long-term investment from the Norwegian ​Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency – Sida). Practically, this has allowed us to ​maximise available budgets to the advantage of programme beneficiaries.

Added value: Safety, advocacy and editorial capacity building

Our Women in News (WIN) programme focuses on two of WAN-IFRA Media Freedom’s strategic pillars - namely Gender, Equality, ​Diversity and Inclusion and Business Capacity Building. With the Strengthening African Media programme, we have been able to ​complement the in-depth support provided by the WIN programme by responding to partner needs across Safety, Advocacy, and ​Editorial Capacity Building. As a result, WAN-IFRA Media Freedom was able to provide a holistic range of support - as-per our strategic ​objectives - to media partners for the duration of the three-year grant agreement.

Safety is an urgent priority in most project countries

While safety continues to be one of the most pressing needs for media organisations and media professionals in Africa, the precarious ​financial situation of the media industry and the competing priorities related to revenue generation result in a lack of internal budgets ​and human resources to promote safety between media professionals.

A sustained approach is needed to change the safety culture in media

Editors and managers need to be included in the safety ​conversation. The programme has delivered safety-related ​knowledge and practical tools to key leaders so that safety ​best-practices can impact newsrooms on a more organisational ​level. This programme has also seen the development of the ​first online training platform for editors focussing on safety - a ​unique resource that will be available, free to use, for any editor ​in the world.

senior leaders to encourage an inclusive process around its ​range of interventions. Managers and editors first identify the ​change they are looking to make and discuss the most ​appropriate and relevant ways of achieving positive results. It is ​crucial that newsroom leaders are fully on-board with the ​process to demonstrate leadership by example and ​encouragement to all staff involved.

Bottom-up approach to lead press freedom advocacy

The Media Freedom Committee (MFC) approach is successful in bringing a diverse range of stakeholders together (media ​professionals, media, representative bodies, press freedom organisations, academia, policy-makers, etc.) to impact the ​broader media freedom context and respond to the most urgent needs of the profession in each implementation country.

Journalists need to be part of advocacy efforts impacting the media industry

The Media Freedom Committees show that collaboration and solidarity between media professionals and competing ​media, over issues of common interest, is possible, needed, and effective. This approach empowers working media ​professionals to conduct advocacy actions that impact their wider profession, meaning advocacy efforts are not solely in ​the hands of policy-makers and civil society.

At the same time... building the capacity of local organisations can create wider impact

For the local organisation, aside from added capacity, it ​brings the convening power of WAN-IFRA and the added ​prestige and support of an international organisation to ​their ongoing efforts. The benefits must be weighed with ​assurances of good practices (ethical and financial), a ​commitment to inclusivity, and a broadly common agenda. ​Above all, any organisation assuming the operation of a ​Media Freedom Committee must have credibility amongst ​the local media profession and a proactive approach to ​advocating for change.

Beneficiaries value a training offer designed in response to their needs

31 established media partners have responded strongly to the opportunities for editorial capacity building. This engagement is ​demonstrated via an eagerness to respond to needs assessments, but equally in terms of a demonstrable commitment to the training ​courses on offer. Feedback received across our training portfolio focused on socially impactful topics such as Investigative Journalism, ​Elections Reporting, Data Journalism, or Financial Reporting confirms that the quality, level, and scope of the opportunities we are able ​to provide consistently surpassed media partners’ expectations.

Empowering African voices: The success of climate change and environmental reporting grants

The sheer amount of applications received for the African Media Grants initiative on climate change and environmental reporting, as well ​as their overall quality, significantly surpassed our initial expectations. This element of the programme serves to highlight the appetite for ​coverage of under-reported climate change issues from the Global South, and the urgent need to fund socially impactful journalism in ​current harsh economic times.

Strengthening African Media ​Outputs and activities

Output 1: Safety

Activities that ensure media professionals operate with greater ​awareness of safety and are better protected against threats

A global approach to media safety - Creating a safety culture in news organisations

1.1

Safety needs assessment

1.2

Journalist safety training

1.3

Digital safety trainings

1.4

Newsroom safety management

1.5

#SaferMedia

1.6

Personal Protective Equipment

A global approach to media safety

With press freedom challenged around the world, WAN-IFRA Members can be proud of the ​contribution their Association makes to improving media safety and advocating on behalf of journalists ​and newsrooms worldwide. Through direct engagements with local media partners and solid alliances ​internationally, we aim to raise standards and embed a culture of safety in every newsroom.

Creating a culture of safety

We invite media to open themselves up to a comprehensive deep-​dive across all strands of the safety conversation. Led by expert ​security and advisory teams with deep local knowledge as well as ​global security experience, internal resources and skills are first ​identified before we move on to shaping a more responsive and ​meaningful engagement that tackles the threats media are facing.

We engage senior newsroom and corporate staff in these ​conversations, in our trainings, and through our online seminars and ​e-Learning platforms, recognising that buy-in from decision-makers ​is critical to instilling new operating procedures and setting the tone ​for a change in working habits.

We work with several recognised partners with a huge range of ​expertise, but we are particularly grateful to actively engage in the ​ACOS (A Culture of Safety) Alliance. ACOS is a unique umbrella ​organisation that brings together journalists, editors, news ​organisations, safety experts, trainers, NGOs, funders, innovators, ​and more to contribute to making that culture a reality in ​newsrooms across the globe.

1.1 Safety training needs assessment

(Three-year target as-per DED: 25 organisational needs assessments conducted)

We completed organisational safety needs assessments with 25 media partners to gain a comprehensive picture of their status in relation to safety and security needs. The data was used to identify priority areas to tailor support to assist them in advancing organisational safety culture with a range of activities ad interventions that we have labelled the #SaferMedia project (see section 1.5 for more information)

Media organisations provided crucial data to an in-depth questionnaire, developed ​in conjunction with Kenya-based security organisation SEPAR International (our ​expert safety advisors for this aspect of the programme). The key data gathered in ​this comprehensive needs assessment were used for the development of expert-​led, individual safety strategies for each media outlet with the aim of achieving ​measurable impact between baseline indicators and results achieved by the end of ​the programme (see 1.5 #SaferMedia).

Currently active in Afghanistan, Armenia, The Balkans, ​Bangladesh, Bhutan, Botswana, Central African ​Republic, Czech Republic, Egypt, El Salvador, ​Ethiopia, Georgia, Jordan, Iraq, Kenya, Kosovo, ​Kurdistan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Liberia, ​Lithuania, Malawi, Malaysia, Mexico, Myanmar, Nepal, ​Niger, Pakistan, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South ​Africa, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, The United ​Kingdom, The United States, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, ​Yemen, Zambia, Zanzibar and Zimbabwe, SEPAR ​International offer up-to-date operational planning, ​intelligence and swift solutions that includes 24-7 ​advice, professional deployment and assistance.

1.2 Journalist safety training

(Three-year target as-per DED: A minimum of 100 participants gain certification)

220 media professionals have received comprehensive safety trainings, including physical safety, digital security, medical and mental wellbeing

• 80 journalists from Botswana, Malawi, Rwanda Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe have benefitted from four-day onsite Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) (see 1.4 for more information)

• 140 media professionals from Botswana, Uganda, South Africa and Zambia have been enrolled in seven Certified Online Journalist Safety Trainings, as a response to needs identified by local Media Freedom Committees in each of these countries.

Self-paced online training

Developed in collaboration with expert safety company Key ​Objectives, WAN-IFRA, and our partners at the ACOS ​Alliance, the course is identified as the most comprehensive, ​attractive, and cost effective option available for online safety ​training.

The course, to be completed in three weeks, is divided into ​three modules that cover the whole spectrum of safety:

Module 1: Planning and Preparation

Module 2: Working in Challenging Environments and ​Digital Safety

Module 3: First Aid and Mental/Emotional Well-being

Each module is followed by a weekly interactive live ​webinar session, including targeted scenario exercises ​that are modelled to each group’s needs.

The total time of the training is 20 hours. Final ​certification, for those who do all online exercises and ​attend all three webinars, is an incentive to complete ​the training in full.

Focus: Self-paced online training

In Zambia and South Africa, training was held ahead of national ​elections, with the webinar elements of the course covering ​challenges specifically related to safety during election reporting.

The country that had the highest number of applicants was Uganda ​(103), which shows the need for safety training and the precarious ​safety situation for media workers.

Botswana had the lowest number of applicants (22), which is ​related to a lower level of risk in the country. Selected participants ​were mixed with other countries, namely Uganda and Zambia. The ​opportunity to exchange experiences was well received.

The local Media Freedom Committees (MFC) were fundamental in ​ensuring that the training courses responded to the needs in each ​country, with pre-training meetings with the lead trainers to provide ​contextual information. MFC members also distributed calls for ​applications and assisted with the final selection of participants in ​each country. Each applicant was rated according to the risk of ​his/her coverage: those with a greater need for safety training ​based on this were prioritised.

In the case of our training in South Africa, we partnered with the ​South Africa National Editors Forum (SANEF), as our local MFC ​recommended the collaboration as a better way to ensure wider ​participation as well as a means of enhancing the capacity of a local ​organisation.

According to feedback from participants (gathered across ​two surveys/data collection points – one immediately after the ​training and another a few months later), our training offering ​has changed approaches to safety:

100% report an increase in capacity related to safety

98,2% would recommend the training to other colleagues ​100% think a specific course for editors/managers is needed ​in order to promote the safety culture in their media ​organisation

65% get final certification

Application of skills learned (according to follow-up surveys ​after three months):

60.7% have used skills learned for physical safety

76.8% have used skills learned for digital safety

17.9% have used skills learned for first aid

60.7% have used skills learned for their mental and emotional ​wellbeing

1.3 Digital safety training

(Three-year target as-per DED: A minimum of 100 participants gain certification)

A total of 800 journalists, mostly women, have benefited from specific digital safety and online harassment training.

A total of 800 journalists from all target countries have been trained specifically on digital safety and how to prepare for, and respond to ​online harassment, since online abuse is a significant problem affecting journalists - and specifically women journalists - around the ​world. In addition, the 220 participants who completed the certified Journalist Safety Training (see 1.2) also completed a module on ​digital safety.

A few months after attending the training, participants were asked about the practical application of the skills gained:

1.4 Newsroom safety management

(Three-year target as-per DED: A minimum of 25 receive mentoring)

Editors Safety Training platform - Online course: The Fundamentals of Safe Commissioning

WAN-IFRA, in partnership with the ACOS Alliance, has created the first online safety training course for editors - the ​Editor Safety Hub. The aim is to provide safety knowledge, practical tools, and best practices to editors so they can ​impact and influence the safety culture within their news organisation. There are many safety courses available for ​journalists, but until now, no courses specifically designed to cover the topic from an editor’s perspective.

The course content, structured by all-female US-based ​safety training team Aegis Safety Alliance - working ​under the guidance of an advisory council of senior ​WAN-IFRA and ACOS editors and safety experts - is an ​interactive, practically-focused learning environment ​that is free of charge (accessible online with prior ​registration), self-paced, and for editors, by editors.

A first pilot was conducted in December 2023 to ​gather feedback on the course, the platform, and the ​learning materials, with the participation of over 30 ​media professionals. Thanks to this assessment, the ​course was fine-tuned and launched in March 2024.

At a moment of unprecedented threat to ​press freedom and journalist safety, the ​ACOS Alliance and WAN-IFRA have ​developed an online safety training ​course for editors and news managers to ​learn the fundamentals of safe ​commissioning.

The course creates an environment in ​which safety professionals and ​newsroom leaders feel empowered to ​adopt practical safety measures and ​work towards embedding a culture of ​safety inside their organisations. It is ​available in English and aimed at a global ​audience, running self-paced for a ​minimum of three hours learning time.

The resource includes video tutorials and ​interactive elements such as quizzes and ​case study exercises. Downloadable tip ​sheets and links to relevant resources ​enhance the learning experience. While ​this course is aimed at all newsroom ​editors worldwide, both the ACOS ​Alliance and WAN-IFRA would also like ​this course to resonate with under-​resourced editors.

Key objectives ​and outcomes

Provide basic and ​practical safety ​measures that can ​effectively improve ​journalists' safety on ​assignments

Empower editors and ​news managers to ​adhere to safety best ​practices and advocate ​for these in their ​newsrooms

Raise awareness of the ​importance of pre-​emptive safety ​measures

Provide a legacy of zero-​cost training as a ​resource for the global ​industry

1.5 #SaferMedia

(Three-year target as-per DED: Evidence of the application and/or development of safety-​related standard operating procedures)

One of the major focus areas of the ​programme has been the establishment ​and implementation of the #SaferMedia ​approach to organisational safety amongst ​our media partners.

This approach takes a holistic look at safety ​for news organisations, engaging partners ​who already have a strong working ​relationship with WAN-IFRA Media ​Freedom via the business capacity, editorial ​skills building, and gender, diversity and ​advocacy support elements of our work. It ​develops and strengthens a ​comprehensive culture of safety and ​impacts the safety-related working ​practices of each organisation.

We partnered with SEPAR International, ​an organisation providing safety training ​based in Nairobi, Kenya, to design the ​approach, conduct the organisational ​mentoring, and offer an appropriate online ​and onsite training curriculum. They ​operated as our Safety Advisory team for ​the duration of this element of the ​programme.

SEPAR International was contracted by ​WAN IFRA to work with 25 media partners ​in eight countries over a two-year period. ​During this time we were able to make a ​number of safety and security ​improvements and develop organisational ​policy and protocols.

#SaferMedia: Components

Safety Baseline Assessment (Output 1.1)

The project started with the development of a comprehensive needs assessment to understand and closely ​examine existing skills and resources of participating media. The aim was to complement these with a range of ​targeted and individualised support to get media companies thinking - and acting - safety first. 25 media ​organisations from eight project countries completed the assessment.

One-on-one meetings and regular mentoring

Participating media had several individual online meetings with the Safety Advisory team to discuss the implementation of safety ​standard operating procedures (SOPs) in their newsrooms. The Safety Advisory team were also able to conduct newsroom visits in ​countries including Zambia and Zimbabwe, where onsite safety trainings were also conducted.

From October 2022 onwards, monthly safety assessment surveys and check-ins with media partners were conducted in order to keep ​track of progress within each organisation. A total of 14 monthly progress reports were issued.

Online training opportunities

An online training curriculum was developed to reach all #SaferMedia partners. ​Multiple individuals from each organisation were invited to participate, ​acknowledging that the development of safety-related policies is a collective effort.

The training offered covered the following topics:

• Newsroom Safety and Protection Design (three sessions, November 2022)
• Safety Policy Ingredients (two sessions, July and September 2023)
• Advanced Digital Security for IT managers (two sessions, July and August 2023)
• Psychological and psychosocial support training for newsroom managers (one ​session, October 2023)

In addition, all #SaferMedia partners and ​other African media partners in our ​wider Women In News network had ​access to a range of training on Digital ​Safety and Online Harassment, ​imparted by a group of expert female ​trainers who receive regular refresher ​courses on the subjects. Some of these ​sessions have been in-person as part of ​Women In News annual country ​missions.

Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT)

Three four-day, in-person HEAT trainings have been offered ​as part of the #SaferMedia project.

HEAT (Hostile Environment Awareness Training) equips ​media professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary ​to navigate challenging and dangerous environments while ​reporting, covering risk assessments, personal security ​measures, first aid, digital security, and psychosocial ​wellbeing.

Each training was designed to meet the needs of ​participating media organisations and complement the work ​already underway across other areas of the #SaferMedia ​approach. It included the involvement of editors and ​managers to better understand the nature of risks that ​journalists are facing, and to underline the need to establish ​safety measures at the organisational level.

Zimbabwe (21st - 24th March 2023)

HEAT training specifically designed to safely ​cover elections (in preparation for the ​Zimbabwe general elections, August 2023)

23 participants from four media partners (AB ​Communications, Alpha Media Holdings, ​Masvingo Mirror, and Zimpapers) and the ​Zimbabwe Media Freedom Committee ​participated in this four-day training organised ​in Harare.

The training was followed by a Media Safety ​Dialogue on 24th March, led by the WAN-IFRA ​Zimbabwe Media Freedom Committee ​(members of MAZ, ZUJ, MISA), with the ​participation of the Zimbabwe Electoral ​Commission, Zimbabwe Media Commission, ​legal advisors, and national police ​commanders. Participating stakeholders ​committed to respecting journalistic work ​during electoral coverage in a public ​communiqué.

The team also met with the Hon. Monica ​Mutswangwa MP, Minister for ​Information, to discuss safety challenges ​ahead of the election period and to call on ​the Zimbabwean government to protect ​media professionals and ensure their safety.

Zambia (6th - 9th June, 2023)

21 participants from three media ​partners (Daily Nation, Zambia Daily ​Mail, and Mphangwe Community ​Radio) and the WAN-IFRA Zambia ​Media Freedom Committee ​participated in this four-day training ​organised in Lusaka.

The training was followed by a ​stakeholder forum with media, civil ​society, media representative ​organisations, and police ​representatives on media freedom in ​the country. Organised by the ​Zambia MFC, the discussion focused ​on best practices around the ​reporting of media violations in the ​country and the need to have legal ​support and representation for ​media professionals.

1.6 Personal Protective Equipment

(Three-year target as-per DED: Evidence of the procurement and ​distribution of PPE as needed – see Interim Report ‘Deviations’)

In the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic (September 2021), and ​knowing that several media partners were struggling to secure ​masks and other COVID-related personal protective equipment ​(PPE) for their staff, we opened a call to distribute grants for COVID-​related PPE supplies.

The applications received, which included a detailed budget on ​expenditures and costs, exceeded our initial expectations regarding ​both the number of applications and the requested amounts.

(See ‘Deviations’/Interim Report for more information)

After careful analysis of each budget, we limited the size of each ​grant to a maximum of €4,500.

In total, we awarded 12 organisations from eight countries with over ​36,000€ of PPE equipment.

Output 2: Advocacy + networking

Active support networks amongst media professionals

2.1

2.2

Advocacy and networking initiatives

In-country advocacy actions

Media Freedom Committees -

Selected highlights

The Backstory -

A Media Freedom Podcast

2.1 Advocacy and Networking Initiatives

(Three-year target as-per DED: Nine in-country networks established and/or ​strengthened via Media Freedom Committee / Women In News frameworks)

WAN-IFRA empowers media professionals to address threats to press freedom. We encourage them to ​create Media Freedom Committees (MFCs) and assist them in developing relevant, applicable solutions to ​challenges they identify and that are right for each local context – solutions that strengthen the skills and ​expertise of the local industry to better defend against attacks, promote public interest journalism, and ​explicitly demonstrate the value of a free media to broader society.

The Committees are made up of individual publishers, editors and senior journalists representing WAN-IFRA’s partner media houses in ​each country. In some countries, local media representative bodies, NGO, or civil society organisations are also represented.

Members work collectively on setting an agenda, establishing activities, and implementing media freedom advocacy actions in each ​country as well as regionally and on a global scale.

• Four new Media Freedom Committees established
  

New Media Freedom Committees have been established in Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.

• Continued support to existing Media Freedom Committees
  

We have continued to support five existing Committees (Botswana, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia), that remain active on a ​number of fronts. Aside from advocacy activities (Download), MFC members in Botswana, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, and ​Zimbabwe have been actively involved in distributing calls for applications, advising on participant selection, and organising stakeholder ​meetings in parallel to in-person training courses.

2.2 In-country actions, campaigns, or activities to defend media freedom

(Three-year target as-per DED: At least 27 coordinated media freedom actions, campaigns or activities)

40 different actions led by the nine Media Freedom Committees were organised between 2021-2023

While advocating for media freedom, the local MFCs have placed strong emphasis on bolstering media ​ethics and professionalism. By providing training, guidelines, and resources to media professionals local ​MFCs have aimed to ensure that ethical standards are upheld to lead to greater public trust in the ​media, as well as more accurate and balanced reporting - ultimately strengthening the media's role as a ​watchdog and information provider within the project countries.

A full list of Media Freedom Committee actions, ​campaigns, and networking activities

Media Freedom Committees - Selected highlights

The Zambia Media Freedom Committee, led by Zambia Free Press ​Initiative (FPI), implemented the ambitious “Promoting Media ​Freedom” project, including a dozen major activities between 2021 ​and 2023 to advocate for press freedom, excellence in journalism, ​and respect for human rights.

Round table discussions with editors and media owners on various ​issues including media sustainability in difficult economic times, ​media ethics, and professionalism were organised together with ​town hall meetings which were crucial in advocating for the recently ​enacted Access to Information law.

The small grants that the Uganda Media Freedom Committee ​offered to journalists in 2022 to report on press freedom in the ​country created a platform for media professionals to explore ​and publicly disseminate the challenges to press freedom.

The Uganda MFC also organised local university visits to share ​with fourth-year journalism students the realities of journalism in ​the country. This created an opportunity for mentorship and ​enabled the students to interact with industry professionals who ​guided their thinking and explained opportunities in a dynamic ​media landscape that is undoing digital transformation. Concerns ​about the safety of journalists were discussed with the students ​and recommendations were made for training tailored towards ​their safety when they begin to practise.

Political regime change has enabled the MFC in Zimbabwe to engage more effectively with the political ​leadership in the country. The consequences of this shift, together with targeted advocacy efforts ​towards safety and press freedom by the Zimbabwe MFC and other press freedom organisations, was ​particularly evident during the general elections in the country - during which no major incidents related ​to press freedom were registered.

The drafting of the Zimbabwe Media Practitioners Bill 2022 was a great milestone in advocating for, and ​championing press freedom. Similarly, multiple meetings and engagements with the media, the Ministry ​of Information, and the police were key to ensuring the safety of journalists during the elections. For the ​first time in the country, journalists were clearly identified with press vests and no major incidents were ​recorded. The MFC facilitated trainings for media professionals on election reporting, both in the capital ​and in the southern region of the country, to enhance election reporting skills and promote the quality ​and ethics of journalism.

The Zimbabwe MFC carried out extensive consultations with key stakeholders to determine the current challenges related to press ​freedom and potential areas of work for the MFC. Given the relatively crowded field of media support actors operating in the country, ​MFC members felt there was a definite role for an MFC, but were conscious of identifying the correct niche and scope of work to avoid ​overlaps and maximise advocacy efforts between all stakeholders. Several recommendations on areas of work were identified and ​summarised in a detailed report, a useful tool for the identification of problematic areas in the local media landscape, as well as for ​proposing operational solutions and collaborative working. The findings were presented at the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) ​conference in December 2021, and were key to guiding the efforts of the MFC in 2022 and 2023.

In 2022, the Botswana MFC, together with other organisations, participated in a campaign ​against a draft Media Bill that “threatened freedom of expression in the country”.

The Bill was brought before parliament with a certificate of urgency, which implied that any ​reaction against it had to move very fast. The MFC, together with the Botswana Editors ​Forum and MISA, orchestrated a campaign against the Bill and appealed for solidarity from ​across the region.

Other media bodies released statements condemning the Bill and a coalition of media ​organisations drafted a letter condemning its implications. The campaign culminated in a ​visit by a delegation from the Southern African Editors Forum (SANEF) to Gaborone to meet ​with the government. Finally, the amendments suggested by the coalition of media ​organisations made the Bill acceptable.

The Malawi MFC were able to bring together media practitioners and owners for a round ​table discussion on media survival post-COVID, after media houses had seen their revenues ​drastically decline. The Media Freedom Committee organised a workshop to seek national-​level solutions which were compiled and used for a range of advocacy between media, civil ​society, and government.

The MFC also worked with the Human Rights Commissioner to discuss the challenges ​related to access to information and how to better disseminate information on the Access ​to Information Act (ATIA).

The Backstory - A Media Freedom Podcast

Seasons 4 and 5 of The Backstory podcast series explored media freedom ​across Africa and around the world.

The podcast not only gives voice to those fighting for press freedom, but also ​informs the global media industry about what is happening in countries where ​journalists face daily challenges. It serves as an advocacy tool to promote global ​campaigns around these individuals and issues.

Output 3: Capacity + Skills

Activities to address the needs of media aimed at improving skills, tools ​and management capacities to produce socially impactful reporting

3.1

Editorial and Business Needs Assessment

3.2

Editorial and Business Training

3.3

Danish & International In-House Mentoring

3.4

Social Impact Reporting Initiative

3.1 Editorial and Business Needs Assessment

(Three-year target as-per DED: Five organisational needs assessments conducted)

A thorough editorial and business needs assessment between July and September ​2021 was conducted. 31 media organisations responded to the call, offering data ​on their pressing needs regarding capacity building in their newsrooms.

Training related to Safety (physical and digital) was most in demand amongst our ​media partners. These requests were covered by the project activities under the ​area of Safety, as detailed in Output 1.

Media partners also identified Digital Transformation and Digitalisation as a ​major priority area, a need that is currently catered for by the WIN programme via ​the Digital ABC training suite.

The remaining editorial needs highlighted by media partners were covered through ​the development of tailored training programmes as part of the Strengthening ​African Media programme offer (see Output 3.2).

3.2 Editorial and Business Training

(Three-year target as-per DED: Nine in-country training programmes developed based on needs assessment)

In response to the needs identified in the editorial baseline assessments, we organised training across a number of ​different areas. These sessions have been very well received by our media partners, who have appreciated our ​flexibility and reactivity in responding to their current needs.

In some cases we have delivered training according to sector-wide needs, like in the case of the Election Reporting in ​Zambia. On other occasions, as the needs identified were similar between a number of media organisations across the ​region, we grouped participants from different countries – which has in addition strengthened regional professional ​networks.

Financial Journalism Training

This training, attended by 20 participants from three media partners (Zambia Daily Mail, Times ​of Zambia, and AB Communications in Zimbabwe), was delivered by South African financial ​journalist and trainer, Reginald Rumney, over the course of one week. Participants were asked to ​attend online sessions during the morning and complete exercises in the afternoon.

Due to the time commitment during the training week, we secured agreements with senior ​managers that participants would be given the necessary time away from their desks in order to ​complete the training in full.

The course aimed to train participants to produce business stories that have a wide appeal to ​general audiences as well as to businesspeople, and covered key topics such as the language of ​business and finance, handling numbers, or finding stories through analysing numbers.

As-per the post-course survey, the training was well received. The only issue that was flagged to ​us however was the volume of assignments required during the training week, an issue that will ​be taken into account for future training.

• Average rating: 4.4 out of 5
• 100% would recommend the course to other journalists/editors

Mental health and well-being in the newsroom

Around 70 media professionals trained in three separate courses related to mental health and well-being in the newsroom offered by The Self-Investigation, an organisation led by a Pulitzer-winning journalist that aims to improve the working culture in the newsroom. The trainings were made available to the regional Media Freedom Committee network to try to reach those journalists and managers in greatest need.

Leading in a digital world: maintaining resilience in ​uncertain times

Eight media managers participated in the training, held weekly ​from 12 May to 2 July 2021, and that included webinars and ​exercises to help them cope with the challenges of managing ​teams remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The average level of satisfaction was 4.84 out of 5

100% reported that the course was relevant and helpful for their ​work

“I’d like to thank you for this opportunity, I highly ​recommend it to my peers because it has helped me a great ​deal. I feel refreshed and relaxed, even as I do my work.”

A.M, ​​Reporter, Radio Iuswepo, Zambia

“Well tailored course and so enlightening. I am glad I was ​one of the participants as I have learned a lot which I am ​currently practising.”

M.C, Supplement Editor, Times Group, Malawi

How to be a healthy journalist in an always-on culture

22 participants from all project countries enrolled in this ​training in March 2022 that focused on mental and emotional ​well-being in the newsroom and covered specific topics such as ​boundary setting, digital wellness, and well-being at work. 9 ​finished the course.

Participants had access to over 40 videos and were asked to do ​more than 20 exercises in a ‘20-day challenge’ format. They ​were also invited to attend weekly live webinar sessions for the ​duration of the course.

100% reported that they were very satisfied, with the training

100% said that they were already applying mental and ​emotional well-being skills from the training in their daily work

100% would recommend the course to other journalists/editors

38 participants from all project countries enrolled in the same ​training in November 2022, out of which 29 completed the ​course.

Election reporting training

Zambia

Four separate 2.5-day trainings (2 full days of training + one half day to revise assignments) were organised for 25 participants per-session, training 100 journalists in Zambia.

The groups were divided in terms of seniority to ensure maximum effectiveness. The selected trainers, ​Winterlust from South Africa, came recommended by our local WIN project team and our World ​Editors Forum, and had previous experience in delivering election reporting training.

Topics covered included:

• Ethics of Covering Elections; Generating Election Story Ideas
• From Press Conference to Public Interest Story
• Source Triage & Angles of Approach
• The Zambian Electoral Landscape
• Electoral Online & Field Research
• Interviewing (juniors) / Writing Opinion Pieces (seniors)
• Resources for Elections Reporting
  

Post-course feedback, received after the elections in Zambia to be able to capture if ​skills learned had been put into practice, confirmed the training was useful and timely:

• 94,4% of respondents reported having acquired new skills
• 94,4% of respondents reported having applied knowledge from the training

“I was able to guide my reporters ​covering the 2021 general elections by ​passing on knowledge learned to the ​reporters through editorial meetings.”

J. M., Editor, Times of Zambia

Zimbabwe

Trainings on election reporting in the northern and southern regions, in preparation for country-wide local and general elections

On 8th February 2023, in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ), we conducted a successful one day training for 50 journalists in the northern region of Zimbabwe on election reporting. The same training was organised from 3rd to 4th May in Bulawayo, in which 40 journalists from the southern region of the country were trained.

In total, these trainings reached 90 journalists in Zimbabwe. The overall objective was to equip journalists with skills to report accurately and fairly on elections and uphold professional standards.

Learning outcomes comprised:

• Ability to plan and write balanced and comprehensive election stories
• Analysing, commenting, and presenting issues of election campaigns and voting
• Utilising interactive storytelling techniques to enhance election coverage
• Understanding laws and regulations on elections reporting

The trainings were conducted by veteran Kenyan journalist David Aduda, in Harare and Bulawayo respectively.

• 93,8% of post-training survey respondents reported having acquired new skills related to election coverage
• 100% would recommend the training to other journalists

“Used the skills to identify angles to come up with more ​informative stories. Went beyond reporting of events to ​come up with explainer stories of some of the electoral ​laws and how they affect the electorate. Also roped in ​experienced analysts to help in educating the electorate ​on their rights as voters and what they usually take for ​granted. Deployment of personnel was spot-on, thanks to ​the training, and everyone was well briefed of their ​expectations and how to cover the elections, both for the ​online and print platforms. Regular updates were received ​on all the company's platforms.”

C.M., News Editor, The Manica Post, Zimbabwe

“From the skills gained, I knew how to cover the elections ​cycle in its entirety. The need to be neutral in covering all ​election participants ensured that I got comments from all ​contestants. If political parties had manifestos, we ​analysed them without bias. This applied to both the ruling ​and opposition political parties. Our platform became a ​reliable source of news that adhered to basic tenets of ​fairness and balance.”

B. A. M., Editor, Spiked Online Media, Zimbabwe

Data journalism training

Between 20th and 24th June 2022, 30 journalists were trained on data ​journalism, in collaboration with Strathmore University Business School, ​Nairobi. The five-day online sessions were attended by media partners from 10 ​African countries.

This programme was designed for journalists, editors, sub-editors, and media ​managers to help them become data-savvy and understand how data journalism ​is bridging the gaps between numbers and words.

Through online lectures, assignments, and real-world case studies, participants ​learned new skills related to searching, understanding, and visualising real-time ​source data.

• What is data journalism and is it important to the media sector?
• Importance of data-driven stories, data storytelling, verification, and data ​analysis
• How to apply data in newsroom management and establishing data reporting ​systems
• Ethical values in data journalism and ethical aspects of data journalism
• Using social media data for journalism and podcasts

Trainers included well-known ​media practitioners and ​academics including ​Churchill Otieno (Nation ​Media Group), Catherine ​Guicheru and Tolulope ​Adeyemo (Code4Africa), ​Rosemary Okello Orlale ​(Africa Media Hub), Prof. ​Jacqueline McGlade and ​Dr. Arbogast Kemoli Akidiva ​(Strathmore University).

“The course was very helpful as it made me realise that ​it is time to tap into data journalism for us to grow our ​audiences and survive in this digital era.”

N.N, YA FM, Zimbabwe

“The training improved the way I execute news duties in ​the newsroom. It also sharpened my scope on how to ​apply data in my research before embarking on any ​story. I shared the knowledge with colleagues in the ​newsroom in order to promote efficiency.”

E.L., Reporter, Byta, Zambia

Investigative Journalism Training

Investigative journalism was another topic highlighted by a number of media ​partners via the editorial baseline assessment. From 10th to 12th October 2022, an ​online course for 34 mid-level journalists was held covering investigative ​journalism, delivered by Kenyan investigative journalist and CEO of Africa ​Uncensored, John-Allan Namu.

The programme included topics such as:

• Types of investigations
• Types of sources
• Exercise of the day
• Investigating securely
• Media ethics and investigations
• Planning and pitching investigations
  

100% of survey respondents reported planning to apply the learnings gathered to ​their daily work

100% would recommend the training to other journalists

“I conducted an investigation ​concerning government officials ​who were dealing with Illegal mining, ​which led the president of Zambia, ​Hakainde Hichilema, to fire his ​cabinet ministers.”

J.M, , Reporter, CrownTV, Zambia

“The overall course was very ​insightful, the facilitator was very ​articulate, and it was easy to ​understand as well because he was ​bringing in real life examples.”

E.M,, Chanco Community Radio, Malawi

3.3 Danish & international in-house mentoring

(Three-year target as-per DED: Up to 50 mentoring ​sessions delivered)

We have delivered in-house safety mentoring to 25 ​organisations as part of the #SaferMedia project (see ​Output 1.5). This consistent, individualised support to ​partner media organisations included multiple ​engagement points per-organisation.

11 media professionals have received individual ​coaching as part of the ‘Leading in a digital world: ​Maintaining resilience in uncertain times’ training. Experts ​on mental well-being delivered individual one hour ​coaching sessions to each one of the eight participants.

Individual mentoring sessions by coach Kim Brice from ​The Self-Investigation were also offered to three of the ​27 participants of the ‘How to be a healthy journalists in ​an always on culture’ course, as they were identified by ​the trainers as participants needing individualised help.

3.4 Social Impact Reporting Initiative

(Three-year target as-per DED: 50 Social Impact Reporting Initiative grants awarded – ​see Interim Report ‘Deviations’)

We have awarded grants to 27 media organisations (from a total of 161 applications), totalling $270,000 ($130,000 in 2021 and ​$140,000 in 2022) to produce environmental reporting projects that engage local communities and highlight under-reported climate ​change issues.

Initially we awarded 28 grants. From these, all but one organisation delivered on the grant agreement contract, fulfilling their work and ​our narrative and financial requirements. The only organisation (Monitor – Uganda) that failed to deliver on what they had agreed, due to ​internal issues, returned the funds.

We reallocated the returned funds to creating a website resource on environmental reporting in Africa, which not only showcases ​the quality and diversity of the work produced under the grant initiative, but also puts the issues into broader context, highlighting the ​need to learn from local African stories.

In order to remain a useful tool the website also includes a resources page that journalists can visit to access useful material on how to ​tackle environmental reporting as well as funding opportunities to continue producing public interest journalism.

The list of recipient media represents all project countries:

Botswana

Weekend Post

Defense Magazine

Noble Magazine

Tanzania

JRS – Radio Kwizera

Nukta Africa Ltd.

Buha FM Community Radio

Kenya

Gender Media Network in Kenya

(GEMNET)

Radio Africa Group

FarmKenya -The Standard Media

Group

Kenya Union of Journalists

Uganda

New Vision Printing and Publishing

Vanguard Media Ltd.

Female Journalists Forum (FEMJOF)

Northern Uganda Media Club

Delta Fm Radio Limited

Malawi

Capital Radio Malawi

Zambia

News Diggers Media Limited

Rwanda

South Africa

Isango Star

Kigali Today Ltd.

Umuseke Information and Technology

Zimbabwe

Hashtag Our Stories

Centre for Public Interest Journalism

(Newshawks)

263Chat

Bustop TV

Alpha Media Holdings

Community Radio Harare

EnviroPress

Long-term impact of Grants

Responses gathered in a specific survey at the end of 2023 on the long-term impact of the African Media ​Grants show that the initiative has spiked the interest of participating media organisations in environmental ​and climate change reporting, and in some cases has led to broader impact at a policy level:

“In the latest State of the Nation Address by the ​President, climate change is becoming topical, ​with the Members of Parliament encouraged to ​raise awareness at constituency level. This ​message, we believe, has its roots in our ​reporting which rallied powerful policy makers to ​ensure that grassroots stakeholders play an ​equally important role in a participatory ​processes. Botswana is currently working on a ​study “Detailing Gender and Climate Change ​Vulnerability Hotspot Mapping for Decision ​Support” launched in April 2023. The study, ​which focuses on locations of vulnerability, its ​extent and impact on people, particularly women ​– a similar approach we adopted when we did ​the Climate Change project.”

Tryphinah Dongwana, Weekend Post, Botswana

“Subsequent to the Climate Change reporting ​grant which helped put EnviroPress Zimbabwe ​on the map, there has been greater interest in ​the organisation by other funding partners. ​EnviroPress has now been selected to chair the ​Environment and Climate Change cluster of the ​Zimbabwe Coalition for Debt and Development ​(ZimCodd) Central Region.”

Moses Ziyambi, EnviroPress, Zimbabwe

“Due to the project, local government officers ​continue to collaborate with JRS Radio Kwizera ​in promoting awareness on climate change and ​mitigation strategies. The protection of the ​environment is one top agenda of the weekly ​radio programming.”

Angelo Munduni Dema, JRS Radio Kwizera, Tanzania

“From the time we accessed the grant, we made deliberate decisions to interest all our staff in environmental journalism and dedicated individual journalists to report and constantly follow-up on stories pertaining to the environment. We continued to set aside some funds for these reporters, and partnered with other organisations to organise an environmental run in Soroti City that was graced by Uganda's 1st Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Affairs, Rt. Hon Rebecca Kadaga Alitwala.”

Stephen Adou, Delta FM, Uganda

“The grant left us with follow-up stories that we ​were able to report on afterwards. Citizens who ​saw the grant funded climate change reports ​were able to engage us with further with tips on ​new issues that we could investigate and ​expose.”

Joseph Mwenda, NewsDiggers, Zambia

“The grant allowed us to widen our scope of ​environmental reporting as our team reached ​out to communities affected by natural disasters ​to have a platform for expressing their plight, ​responses to mitigate, and resilience measures. ​We also engaged environmental groups involved ​in green innovations and environmental ​conservation. This gave us quality content and a ​learning experience for our reporting team.

At organisation level, the grant helped to boost ​our audience numbers as the project tackled ​human interest issues, especially with the ​engagement of rural communities hit by natural ​disasters due to information gaps on awareness ​and mitigation measures.

The grant also helped us to attain financial ​sustainability at a time when business operations ​were dwindling due to the COVID-19 induced ​economic challenges. It also opened doors for ​more partnerships with environmental ​organisations as well as UN agencies working in ​the area of science and the environment.”

Wezi Nyirongo, Capital Radio, Malawi

Conclusion

We are pleased to have worked with over 2000 media ​professionals from 400 media companies during the ​course of the 2021-2023 grant period, offering ​approximately 900 hours of training and professional ​development opportunities.

Results demonstrate that, via this intervention, ​participating media managers and journalists are more ​resilient to internal and external challenges and have ​updated skills, while media organisations are better ​able to withstand pressures and fulfil their public ​interest role.

Overall, we are confident that our partner-led ​approach of providing complimentary and unique ​editorial capacity building, safety skills development, ​and empowered local advocacy initiatives - delivered ​in conjunction with the business development and ​GEDI focus provided by the Women In News ​programme - allows WAN-IFRA to support African ​media partners in a holistic and highy relevant way.

This grant has been critical to completing WAN-IFRA’s ​portfolio of support to media operating in particularly ​challenging environments, further complicated by the ​lasting effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

As we bring to a close the current iteration of the ​Strengthening African Media programme, we look ​forward to the opportunity to build on our work in ​partnership with the Ministry and its global objectives, ​to continue supporting independent African media, ​encourage greater press freedom, and the ​consolidation of healthy democracies across the ​continent.

March 2024