What we’re reading this week
Take a look at some of the things we are currently reading in our newsroom that you should be aware of
The Conversation | Spotting hoaxes: how young people in Africa use cues to spot misinformation online
The spread of fake news and disinformation is growing at an extremely fast pace. As the use of the internet and mobile phones continues to rise, allowing information to be quickly spread. It is important to combat this by educating young people on how to easily spot false and misleading information.
Reuters | In Abiy’s Ethiopia, press freedom flourished then fear returned
When Abiy Ahmed became Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, it ushered in a new wave of freedoms for journalists. In 2018, the Prime Minister freed dozens of journalists who were jailed improving the work conditions for journalists. However in 2020, 21 journalists were arrested, with many journalists in Ethiopia fearing for their lives.
Voice of America | Global Initiative Helps Newsrooms Boost Climate Change Coverage
Climate journalists in Africa need resources in order to report on the effects of climate change. Ground Truth Project, is an international organisation that supports journalists in under-covered regions. The initiative will assist journalists such as Vivian Chime, who aims to bring awareness about climate change in Nigeria.
Front Page Africa | Journalism as a Public Good and the Role of the Media in Liberia
Journalism and the media plays an important role in holding the government accountable. The media provides citizens with information that allows them to make decisions about their government. In Liberia, threats and attacks against journalists has been on the rise since 2018. During the elections in 2020, the attacks reached a crescendo, raising concerns about the safety of journalists and further threatening media freedom.
