The Chairperson of the African Media Convention (AMC), Mr. Churchill Otieno, has decried the alarming rate of violence against journalists in Africa, revealing that 14 journalists were killed between January 2023 and May 2024. Mr. Otieno, who is also the President of the African Editors Forum (Taef), made this known during the Third African Media Convention held at the International Conference Centre, Accra.
The slain journalists hailed from Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Somalia, Sudan, Nigeria, Mali, Rwanda, and Cameroon. Mr. Otieno emphasized the need for fair remuneration for journalists and media professionals, stating, “We must take a stand and advocate for fair compensation mechanisms, including equitable revenue sharing models and copyright reforms, to ensure that journalists are adequately rewarded for their contributions.”
Mr. Otieno highlighted the challenges faced by journalists, including restricted access to data, which hinders in-depth reporting and investigative journalism. He called for greater transparency and accountability to ensure journalists have access to the data they need to tell the African story and hold those in power accountable.
The AMC chairperson also addressed the impact of artificial intelligence technologies on the journalistic workforce, noting that while they have the potential to enhance journalism, their development and employment must be guided by ethical principles, transparency, and accountability.
Mr. Otieno emphasized the need for knowledge sharing, exchange of ideas, and collaboration to strengthen media freedom, promote excellence in journalism, and leverage new technologies to amplify the voices of the voiceless.
“We must champion fair propositions to uphold the dignity and livelihood of journalists and fortify the foundation of a sustainable and thriving media ecosystem, so that Africa can indeed tell its own story,” he stressed.
