In the News: Reporters Without Borders launches digital help desk for journalists
Check out our regular news roundup of some of the top headlines in African journalism, innovation and digital media
Reporters Without Borders launches digital help desk
Independent NGO RSF is launching a digital help desk to advise and support journalists all over the world on digital security. The organisation will make detailed information on topics such as encryption, anonymisation, account security and a professional approach to dealing with hate speech and fake news available at helpdesk.rsf.org.
According to the RSF statement, users can define the individual threats they are facing using an interactive tool that informs them about possible countermeasures. To avoid attempts to censor this service and to ensure anonymity, the help desk will also be accessible on the Dark Web via the Tor network.
Tanzanian blogger wins an international award for whistle-blowing site
JamiiForums co-founder Maxence Melo is among the winners of this year’s Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) International Press Freedom Award, thanks to the role that his whistle-blowing site does in promoting accountability and transparency in Tanzania.
Melo’s site, JamiiForums is an East and Central African website and discussion forum that is a source of breaking news and a secure whistle-blowing platform that promotes accountability and transparency in Tanzania. The website also hosts frank debates, mostly in Kiswahili, about topics that include graft in the public sector.
Eleven TV channels banned in eastern Libya
According to a Reporters Without Borders statement, the interim government in Tobruk, in eastern Libya has banned 11 TV channels.
The Libyan government accuses the 11 TV channels of “justifying terrorism” and “threatening social peace.” The TV channels named in the order are Libya al Ahrar TV, Panorama TV, Attanasoh TV, Salam TV, Al Wassat Radio and Television, the Arraed Group, Annabaa TV, Febrayer TV, Al Watan TV, Libyan National Television and Arrasmia TV.
Libya is ranked 162nd out of 180 countries in RSF’s 2019 World Press Freedom Index.
BBC to close down Burundi bureau
British public radio broadcaster BBC will close its operations in Burundi after it failed to reach an agreement with the government on the airing of programmes.
“The BBC is closing its Bujumbura bureau and ceasing operations in Burundi. In March, the government banned BBC transmissions and blocked journalists from providing information to the BBC,” tweeted Africa Business Editor Larry Madowo.
Opportunities
Take advantage of these opportunities to enhance your skills and careers.
Events
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
Public Event: The Future of Journalism Series Part One: Media Credibility
Media Monitoring Africa, Goethe-Institut Johannesburg and the German Embassy invites you to the first event of a landmark series of events where they deep-dive into what the Future of Journalism might look like. Drawing on insights from local and international experts, the event will explore a variety of different issues such as credibility in the digital age, long-term financing of journalism and what global platforms such as Netflix mean for the media locally.
Date: 13 August 2019
Time: 18:00pm
Venue: Goethe-Institut Johannesburg, 119 Jan Smuts Avenue — Parkwood, 2193 Johannesburg
