By Vivian Ojomu.
A delegation of seven participants from NAMIP’s cohort visited Stellenbosch, South Africa, from June 20th to 23rd, 2024. The trip included attending the Amplify South Africa (ASA) program launch, visiting Daily Maverick and GroundUp, and participating in the Africa Media Perspective event.
Amplify South Africa Launch
The launch of the ASA program provided an excellent networking opportunity for the NAMIP cohort. Deji Adekunle, NAMIP’s Program Director, shared valuable lessons from the Nigerian Program, encouraging the new cohort to embrace change and growth. Nowalzi Tusini, ASA’s Program Director, emphasised the importance of imagination and innovation in media, stating that democracy cannot thrive without thriving media.
Study Tour to Daily Maverick and GroundUp
The study tour to Daily Maverick and GroundUp offered participants valuable insights into modern journalism. Key takeaways include:
– Understanding Your Audience: Focus on audience needs and prioritize accordingly. Brands are interested in the audience that media organisations can deliver.
– Audience Engagement: Transform casual readers into active audiences through engaging content and direct involvement.
– Revenue Models: Explore multiple revenue sources, including purpose-driven partnerships, people-focused products, crowdfunding, and donor funding—Emphasise transparency, financial management, and maintaining high-quality journalism.
Africa Media Perspective
This event was put together by Food for Mzansi and it featured various panel discussions with NAMIP cohort members. Some highlights include:
Shaping the Future: Amplifying African Voices through Independent Media:
Panelists, including William Shoki, Khadija Patel, and Lebogang Maphada, discussed challenges faced by African media organizations and potential solutions. Key points included the importance of building resilient business models and seeking sustainable ways to address the current challenges the media faces.
Entrepreneurial Thinking in Media:
Dhimant Parekh, Co-founder of Better India, emphasized the need for collaboration and diversifying revenue streams. He advised building businesses aligned with the core values of your organisation and provided tips for finding multiple revenue sources.
Founders Fireside Chat: African Media Entrepreneurship:
Media entrepreneurs shared their startup journeys, stressing the importance of conflict resolution, building strong relationships, and establishing clear processes early on.
The Gen Z Journalist: Redefining Journalism?:
Panelists Gofaone Modise and Asari Ndem discussed the unique preferences of Gen Z audiences, emphasizing the need for engaging and relevant content tailored to this demographic.
Exploring Innovative Funding Models for Community and Public Good Media:
Panelists discussed the challenges and opportunities of funding media organizations. They emphasized the importance of strategic planning, maintaining editorial independence, and developing viable media products.
Navigating Democracy: The Role of Media in African Elections:
Ajibola Amzat and Qaanitah Hunter highlighted the crucial role of media in African elections and democracy. They called for renewed efforts to strengthen journalistic integrity and financial stability within media organizations.
Niche Media Panel Discussion:
Panelists shared strategies for staying relevant in the media landscape, including branding, audience engagement, content repackaging, and maintaining a competitive edge.
Exploring the Nexus of Social Justice and Media:
Panelists discussed how powerful media narratives can shape public awareness and drive positive change. The session emphasized the importance of maintaining editorial independence and integrity in advocating for social justice.
Overall, the study tour and event provided practical insights and strategies for media professionals, highlighting the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and strategic planning in the ever-evolving media landscape.