From fake to faith: regaining trust in journalism in Africa
Thu 10 April 2025
17:00 - 17:50
Free
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Trust in journalism has declined worldwide, including in Africa. Misinformation, political interference, and perceived bias have led to a loss of public confidence in the media. In several African countries, politicians and their allies have questioned the value and role of journalism in modern society. Persistent and coordinated disinformation campaigns fuel the high levels of scepticism among the public towards journalists and the content they produce. In an atmosphere where democratic principles are being challenged, how can independent media in Africa rebuild trust with their audiences?
In this session, speakers from Ghana, Senegal, and Kenya will share their experiences regaining trust in journalism and its impact on democracy and development in Africa. The goal of the session is to provide participants with practical insights and strategies which they can apply to their own context.
Moderated by Ama Kodjo.
Organised in association with DW Akademie.
Modified more than a month ago
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Festival Internazionale del Giornalismo
Il Festival Internazionale del Giornalismo di Perugia è un evento annuale che riunisce professionisti dei media, esperti di comunicazione e appassionati di informazione da tutto il mondo. Si svolge nel centro storico di Perugia e offre conferenze, dibattiti, workshop e opportunità di networking sui temi più rilevanti del giornalismo contemporaneo.
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Sulemana Braimah
Sulemana Braimah has been the Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) since 2014. He is also the current Secretary General of the ECOWAS Civil Society Platform on Transparency and Accountability in Governance and a member of the Steering Committee of the African Network of Free Expression Organisations (AFEX). As Executive Director of MFWA, his work has redefined accountability journalism and strengthened democratic institutions across the region. His landmark achievement is the founding of The Fourth Estate in 2021, Ghana's first independent, non-profit investigative journalism platform. This initiative has exposed corruption, led to the prosecution of public officials and forced judges, MPs and civil servants to comply with asset declaration laws. The project won him the 2023 Eisenhower Fellowships' James and Carol Hovey Impact Award, recognising his role in promoting transparency and governance. He led MFWA to win the 2024 World Justice Challenge Award for promoting the rule of law through the media. Sulemana's journalistic roots include a tenure as news editor at The Chronicle (2002-2007 in Ghana), where he honed his commitment to accountability reporting. His academic background includes an M.Phil in Communication Studies and a degree in Sociology with Philosophy from the University of Ghana. Through tireless advocacy and groundbreaking initiatives, Sulemana Braimah is helping to shape a media landscape where truth and accountability thrive.
Ama Kodjo
Ama Kodjo is Program Director at the DW Akademie Ghana Office, where she leads initiatives to strengthen media viability, press freedom and media and information literacy. Ama uses her expertise in digital communications, media strategy and project management to foster collaboration and innovation in the media landscape. As a media professional, Ama is passionate about the impact of media and information literacy. Her work at DW Akademie focuses on equipping media professionals and their audiences with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the evolving digital world, promote ethical journalism and counter disinformation. Her academic background includes a BA in Psychology from the University of Ghana and a Post Graduate Certificate in Women's Leadership Development from Oxford University.
Pamella Makotsi Sittoni
Pamella Makotsi Sittoni is a distinguished media and communications professional, currently working as an independent consultant. Pamella, who has held senior leadership positions in Kenya’s major news companies, is an award-winning journalist and thought leader in media, advocacy and partnerships. She was most recently Group Managing Editor at the Nation Media Group (NMG) in Kenya and has served as managing editor of the three most influential newspapers in East and Central Africa – The EastAfrican, Daily Nation and The Standard. From 2006 to 2012, she worked as a Communications Specialist at UNICEF Kenya, focusing on advocacy for children and women. She is a member of the Thomson Foundation (UK) Board and Willow Health Media, and also serves as a trustee of Africa Check. She has won several awards for editorial leadership, among them the World Association of News Publishers, WAN-IFRA, Women in News Editorial Leadership Award for Sub-Saharan Africa and the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2023 Annual Journalism Excellence Awards by the Media Council of Kenya. Pamella a fellow of the Aspen Global Leadership Network through the African Leadership Initiative. She holds a BA (Literature and Anthropology) and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Communication from the University of Nairobi, and a Masters in New Media and Democracy from the University of Leicester (UK).