Media Programme

Southern Africa consists of relatively young democracies and post-conflict areas, where independent media and journalists are still working to define their role in society.

Media ethics are generally still relatively underdeveloped and journalistic standards are often low, despite the fact that reliable, independent information is so crucial. Fortunately, journalism training courses are taught in most of the countries in the region, covering all sorts of topics and offered at various levels.

The Media Programme aims to improve the quality and professionalism of the independent media in the region, ultimately increasing their sustainability and viability. NiZA supports training courses, e.g. on journalism and entrepreneurial skills, as well as training courses for civil society on how to improve knowledge of and interaction with the media. The programme also helps improve the quality of the training courses, e.g. by supporting curriculum development.

Example: Newsline at the Polytechnic of Namibia

Students at the Department of Media Technology

The Polytechnic of Namibia (PON) is an important partner in NiZA`s Media Programme. The journalism department of the school trains prospective journalists and communications professionals in journalism, communication and technical skills.

In the run-up to the 2004 elections, the polytechnic used support from NiZA to set up a press bureau, run by and on behalf of journalism students. In the press bureau, the students made journalism productions on the elections in the rural communities of Namibia for the national media.

The Newsline at the Polytechnic still supplies news to national newspapers and radio stations. The press bureau produces programmes and circulars, for example on HIV and AIDS among young people. While the students gain the practical experience so essential to their education, the national media regularly pick up articles and radio productions for publication or broadcast.

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