In The News: Africa Check wins the ‘Google AI Impact Challenge’ and other news
Check out our regular news roundup of some of the top headlines in African journalism, innovation and digital media — a quick summary designed to keep you updated! Opportunities and events below!
South Africa has a new news and current affairs channel
South Africans now have a new 24-hour news channel, Newzroom Afrika. The channel, which aims to be “Daring, Unconventional, Bold & Outspoken” is licensed by MultiChoice and went live on the 2 May on DStv channel 405.
Benin authorities shut down the Internet during elections
According to reports, Internet access in Benin was blocked for several hours during the country’s parliamentary election. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has condemned “the Internet shutdowns in Benin on 28 April that obstructed the free flow of news and information.”
Africa Check wins the ‘Google AI Impact Challenge’
Africa Check, in partnership with an international fact-checking team has won a $2 million grant from Google.org. The organisations will launch an international project using machine learning to dramatically improve and scale fact-checking around the world.
British Embassy launches Somali journalism prize award
The British Embassy Mogadishu has announced the launch of Young Somali Voices journalism prize (YSV). The award is meant to highlight the importance of defending media freedom and demonstrate the key role that media play in creating an inclusive and open society in Somalia. Through the award, young Somali voices and positive stories about Somalia will be identified.
World Press Institute picks fellows for international journalism programme
The World Press Institute (WPI) has chosen 10 journalists from around the world, including Uganda, South Africa and Algeria to be fellows in its 2019 international journalism programme. The journalists will spend nine weeks examining the free press and media innovations and learning about America’s social and cultural diversity and the political system.
Events & Opportunities
Opportunities
Take advantage of these opportunities to enhance your skills and careers.
Reporting Rural Poverty and Agricultural Development Workshop
|Deadline 22 May 2019
Wildlife Poaching & Trafficking Journalism Training Workshop
| Deadline 26 May 2019
Becoming a Responsible Consumer of Media Grant
|Deadline 31 May 2019
The Africa Century International African Writers Conference calls for papers and panel proposals
| Deadline 10 June 2019
Upcoming Events
The GEN Summit brings to stage a host of diverse speakers, who are at the forefront of journalism, media, and technology, to share their ideas and challenge the future of news.
Dates: 13- 15 June 2019
Where: Athens, Greece
African Women in the Media Conference and Festival
Journalists and others are invited to attend this event organized by African Women in the Media. This year’s topic is showcasing the work of women journalists in Africa.
Dates: 25–27 July 2019
Where: Nairobi, Kenya
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