Edward R. Murrow Program for Journalists: 21st Century Approaches to Print and Radio Journalism – A Regional Project for Africa

The journalists enjoyed the opportunity to network with Tucson locals at a community mixer.

While in Phoenix, the group had a chance to learn more about how Latinos are represented in the media. This meeting was with Chicanos por La Causa, a nonprofit organization that lead a roundtable discussion on the importance of fostering local journalism aimed at Mexican-American and migrant communities in the United States.

Bob Butler, a radio journalist from the CBS radio affiliate in the Bay Area, invited them into the studio.

A free press is a fundamental cornerstone of democratic societies, demonstrating the right of people to access objective information from diverse sources. However, conditions for such a media ecosystem vary worldwide, making journalists and media professionals crucial actors in creating reputable, diverse, and impactful information outlets. To support such efforts, Meridian International Center designed an International Visitor Leadership Program entitled “Edward R. Murrow Program for Journalists: 21st Century Approaches to Print and Radio Journalism” for 10 journalists from across Africa. As the group set out to examine the rights and responsibilities of a free press in a democracy and observe operational practices, standards, and institutions of the U.S. media, they soon observed during their 3-week program that – both culturally and professionally – their time in the United States was more nuanced than expected.

From Washington, DC to San Francisco, California, Chicago, Illinois, to Tampa, Florida, participants were exposed to resources and experiences that both confirmed and challenged their understanding of the field of journalism. At a local level, participants remarked on the regularity of community-based journalism aimed at serving smaller populations. While they shared that international and national events can often dominate the media sphere in their countries, Ms. Elysee Ngindu Odia of the Congo noted that “these three weeks made me remember that is what first motivated me as a journalist; it has pushed me to tackle community journalism.” While survival can be a major struggle for smaller outlets, in Chicago, visitors were inspired by the Chicago Independent Media Alliance’s work to give smaller media organizations a greater voice by banding together. Come their time in Tampa, a meeting with the University of South Florida opened their eyes to best practices on fact-checking and dealing with disinformation, especially when dealing with the challenges of artificial intelligence in an evolving media landscape. In Tucson, participants appreciated the warmth – literally and figuratively – of a community mixer where they could casually enjoy residents' company.

Equipped with new tools and connections, participants departed the United States with a newfound rigor to advance their work back home. For South African participant Ms. Ayanda Melansi, who shared that she came on the project with an open mind and few expectations, reflected that “not even in a Ph.D. program would people get to learn at the level that we did.” With plans to include podcasts in her radio broadcasts and open an investigative desk at her outlet, participants departed the program ready to act on all the experiences they had acquired in the United States.

Social Media

• Olugbenga Adanikin
• Laff, M. (June 6, 2023) Demonstrating the power of a free press. Share America.