The EAST library offers the most pertinent publications on media viability and innovation in East Africa and beyond. Displaying sources of information relating to all five dimensions of media viability and more, it includes both regional and international studies, reports, books and fact-sheets for media practitioners, academics and policy makers alike. Standing on the shoulder of giants – Let’s start a conversation.
We are constantly updating the database. If you have a suggestion message us at info.icmediafutures[at]aku.edu
The “Big Five” technology companies; Apple, Google, Amazon and Microsoft, have had a tremendous impact on journalism and the media industry. A book by J.P Whittaker looks at the role of algorithms and artificial intelligence in curating how journalists produce news and how people consume media, including fake news in the post-truth age.
The digital disruption threatens East Africa’s traditional media. Content creation, distribution, monetization and changing media consumption habits are areas that need focus. Though technology is making governments more accountable and empowering journalists through digital research tools, most media consumption is in the entertainment industries which support fake news, disinformation, and click-baiting.
No more Ugandan newspapers by 2029, that’s according to a projection by media experts. They argue that Ugandan newspapers are reliant on advertising revenue as opposed to circulation revenue. Lower circulation, increased advertisement costs, fewer distribution channels, increased internet consumption, and competition amongst media groups will contribute to the downfall of Ugandan print media.
Uganda has one of the lowest internet penetrations rates in Africa. The cost of data is high, and the social media and mobile money taxes hamper internet usage. These taxes affect social media platforms that are the main drivers in internet uptake. A report shows that the taxes also limit mobile operator revenues, thereby denying the government the anticipated revenues as most users choose to remain offline.
The digital advertising industry is increasing at record speed. However, there is still a gap in revenue and monetization potential between emerging and developed markets. A report by a digital publishing company serves to analyze the opportunities and challenges facing digital advertising in emerging markets.
Good investigative journalism requires time, patience, perseverance, professionalism, and adequate funding. Potential donors need an overview of the main ways this often precarious field is financed in newsrooms. In the same way, they require practical advice and key principles of funding as well as comprehending the challenges and opportunities in investigative journalism.
In a world where democracy is facing threats, investigative journalism helps uncover wrongdoing by governments or big corporations. Investigative journalism continues to hold power to account by stirring debates that are critical for any functioning society. This detailed global investigative reports aim to prove, through nine case studies from across the globe, that investigative journalism can be viable, even under the harshest circumstances.
How can media houses deliver quality journalism while staying profitable? DW Akademie’s Media Viability model goes beyond the money factor, encompassing politics, the economy, content, technology, and the wider audience.
The #MOM by RSF, conducted in partnership with the Media Council of Tanzania, displays the high level of media concentration. Whilst only a few media companies have a predominant market position, the legally protected media pluralism doesn’t shine through in practice. The database displays who owns Tanzanian media, their affiliated interests and relevant background information.
The media ecosystem in South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana and Tanzania is rapidly evolving as a new form of convergence which is changing the dynamics of competition unfolds. New technologies such as artificial intelligence are further impacting the landscape. To succeed, brands need to embrace innovation and technology and offer quality content.
Much of South Africa’s quality journalism is funded by grants and donations from international foundations. News media is thus in a precarious position, and there is a need for change to ensure viability. One report suggests offering forums for public knowledge sharing, public participation, and other ways to improve accessible language and reporting.
For media in Africa to survive, it needs to adapt to the changing environment. That was the finding during the 2018 Media Africa conference in Ghana. The report discussed opportunities, challenges, and risks for journalism in Africa. It also stresses the importance of investing in the next generation of journalists and becoming independent from state advertising.