Fourteen Journalists were killed in Africa between January 2023 and May 2024. Three of them were killed in Cameroon, two in Somalia and Sudan, and one each from Chad, Mali, Nigeria, Rwanda, Lesotho, and Mozambique.
This was disclosed by the president of the Africa Editors Forum and Chairperson of the Steering Committee of the Africa Media Convention (AMC) Churchill Otieno at the 3rd African Media Conference in Accra
He noted that “at least 67 journalists were imprisoned across Africa in connection to their work as of December 1, 2023”.
Mr Otieno called on Journalists to “say and do all that is necessary to stop this wanton muzzling of agents of truth”.
The issue of fair compensation for the media was dear to his heart, as he called for fair remuneration for media personalities for their invaluable work in society.
“The current landscape, marked by the dominance of big tech platforms, often sees media organizations struggling to monetize their content while these platforms profit from it. We must advocate for fair compensation mechanisms, including equitable revenue-sharing models and copyright reforms, to ensure that journalists are adequately rewarded for their contributions”, he stated.
He added that “By championing fair compensation, we not only uphold the dignity and livelihoods of journalists but also fortify the foundation of a sustainable and thriving media ecosystem”.
To revolutionize the media landscape in Africa, Otieno said it is imperative that we embrace the potential of artificial intelligence (AI).
He explained that “AI technologies have the capacity to enhance journalistic workflows, automate repetitive tasks, and personalize content delivery to diverse audiences. However, there are also challenges and risks associated with AI, including potential biases in algorithms and concerns about job displacement”.
“As African media professionals, we must engage critically with AI, ensuring that its development and deployment are guided by ethical principles, transparency, and accountability. By harnessing the power of AI responsibly, we can unlock new opportunities for innovation, improve the quality of journalism, and advance media freedom and sustainability across the continent”, he added.
Source: myinfotoday.com
