Wits Centre for Journalism releases 2024 State of the Newsroom report

The Wits Centre for Journalism released its 2024 State of the Newsroom report during an online webinar launch on 27 November, with contributors Qaanitah Hunter (award-winning political journalist and author), Mamaponya Motsai (CEO of fraycollege), Prof Glenda Daniels (associate professor and head of the department of Media Studies at Wits University) and Prof Anthea Garman (professor of journalism at the Rhodes School of Journalism and Media Studies) in discussion with report editor Alan Finlay (research associate at the Wits Centre for Journalism).

This edition covers two main areas: job losses in the news media sector, and the challenges journalists faced in the coverage of the national and provincial elections in May. It reports on some unexpected findings of a snapshot survey of staff capacity and job losses in newsrooms, and, in a context where even financial journalism is under threat, explores creative revenue generation options for news producers.

Click here to download the report.

Follow this link to view the full webinar recording.

How journalists can help rebuild trust: Wits Centre for Journalism hosts Nobel laureate Maria Ressa

Nobel laureate and journalist Maria Ressa, speaking at Wits University on November 19, 2024, sounded the alarm on the power tech companies wield in the global information landscape.

Hosted by the Wits Centre for Journalism (WCJ) and the Wits Institute for Social and Economic Research (WiSER), Ressa held an engaging discussion on how journalists can help rebuild trust in an age of disinformation, authoritarianism, and big tech.

“Replace the word model with ‘clone’ – did you give permission to let yourself be cloned? Microtargeting, the advertising model for social media, is not advertising. It takes your weakest moment to a message based on the probability of your own actions, and sells it to a company or country,” said Ressa.

Read the full article here.

Over 450 journalists and 55 countries represented at hugely successful #AIJC2024

The 20th edition of Africa’s largest gathering of working journalists came to a close on 1 November, with over 450 delegates from 55 countries around the world leaving Wits University richer for the experience in the knowledge gained and new connections made.

"It was incredible to see old friends, and of course all the new young faces here," said convenor Beauregard Tromp at the end of day three.

"Speaking to these young journalists and seeing how enthused they are about not only the projects and stories they’ve taken an interest to in the sessions, but also the kind of tools that are available to them and the heights they can work towards has been amazing."

Click here to read more.

AIJC delegates adopt Statement on Safety of Journalists in Africa at conference closing

To mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists on November 2, conference delegates unanimously adopted a statement on journalist safety drafted throughout the three-day event, calling on authorities to better protect and promote freedom of expression in Africa and around the world. 

Read the full statement here.

Ugandan journalist Blanshe Musinguzi is named Africa’s best in 2024 at AIJC Awards

Blanshe Musinguzi, writing for Africa Report, took top honours at the second annual African Investigative Journalist of the Year Award for his far-reaching and impactful investigation into the smuggling of precious Congolese hardwoods through East Africa.

The investigation, "How Congo Trees are smuggled through East Africa", was developed through the support of the Pulitzer Centre and the Rainforest Investigations Network (RIN).

See the full report here.

WCJ Webinar - Sound Evidence with Earshot's Dr Lawrence Abu Hamdan

Join the Wits Centre for Journalism, in collaboration with the International Fund for Public Interest Media (IFPIM), for a webinar exploring how journalists can make use of technologies and techniques within forensic audio analysis to enhance their investigations. 

We welcome Dr Lawrence Abu Hamdan, Founder and Director of Investigations at Earshot, the world's first not-for-profit organisation producing audio investigations for human rights and environmental advocacy, in conversation with AIJC convenor Beauregard Tromp.

WHEN: 10 December, 2 - 3pm (SAST). Online via Zoom. 

Click here to register.

WCJ 2025 academic timetable now available

The Wits Centre for Journalism looks forward to welcoming its 2025 academic cohort in the new year. For students joining us in full- and part-time honours, master's and postdoctoral studies, you can find the outline for the 2025 academic calendar here, including course codes for registration purposes. 

Please note that specific class times and venues will be announced in due course.

• The Global Investigative Journalism Network is seeking session ideas for the 2025 Global Investigative Journalism Conference, scheduled to take place from November 20 – 24 2025 in Malaysia. Suggest compelling panels, workshops and other presentations by December 20. Click here for details.

• Science and environmental journalists worldwide with at least three years of experience can apply for University of Chicago’s Logan Science Journalism Program (18 to 28 May 2025). The fellowship covers course fees, room, board and travel. Deadline: January 15. Click here for details.

• Tarbell Fellowship invites experienced journalists to apply for its next round of grants to support original reporting on AI and its impacts. Successful applicants will receive grants up to US$15,000. Rolling deadline. Click here for details.