In a recent address at the Third African Media Convention held at the International Conference Centre, Accra, Mr. Churchill Otieno, Chairperson of the African Media Convention (AMC) and President of the African Editors Forum (Taef), highlighted significant challenges facing journalists in Africa. He revealed that between January 2023 and May 2024, 14 journalists lost their lives in the line of duty, with an additional 67 journalists being unjustly imprisoned as of December 1, 2023.
Mr. Otieno emphasized the importance of not remaining silent in the face of these pressing issues. He urged journalists to collaborate and advocate for positive change, stressing the need for fair remuneration and equitable revenue sharing models for media professionals. He underscored the pivotal role of journalists in upholding societal integrity and called for enhanced access to data, particularly from social media, to facilitate comprehensive reporting and ensure accountability.
Furthermore, Mr. Otieno addressed the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in revolutionizing journalism. While acknowledging the associated challenges and risks, he advocated for the responsible harnessing of AI to elevate the quality of journalism and bolster media freedom across the continent.
In addition to technological advancements, Mr. Otieno emphasized the significance of knowledge sharing, innovative storytelling approaches, and collaborative partnerships to amplify marginalized voices and safeguard media freedom.
The compelling insights shared by Mr. Churchill Otieno serve as a poignant call to action for the African media landscape. His impassioned plea for solidarity, ethical journalism practices, and the responsible integration of technology resonates deeply, igniting a collective resolve to champion press freedom and excellence in journalism throughout Africa.
-source GNA | curated by Aisha Yakubu | GhanaCrimes
