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
Digital journalism is growing at a rapid pace. Nonetheless, a survey discovered that many newsrooms still lack access to technological and digital skills. This, in turn, makes them vulnerable to fake news and hacking. Although journalists, the majority of them young, have called for more training in social media research and verification, newsrooms do not view such programmes as a priority.
Media Entrepreneurship is a topic that can sometimes be neglected in traditional education. A textbook targeting educators and students of journalism or communications aim to teach readers how to advance their digital skills, identify opportunities, develop data skills, build revenue, and pitch ideas.
Progress or regress is best explained when there is a standard tool for measuring. The proposed annual Media Sustainability Barometer (MSB) is a tool to measure and monitor the sustainability of the media ecosystem. This quantitative index will be able to estimate how the media environment impacts on other spheres of society, including those identified in the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Kenya may boast a vibrant radio broadcast environment but one that still faces sustainability challenges. Conflicting ideals sometimes play out between producers and audiences in a community broadcasting context. In exploring these different viewpoints and using Koch FM as a case study, the survey highlights the shifting audience expectations facing community radio in Kenya.
Media and governance experts from sub-Saharan Africa met in 2017 to discuss pathways to media reform. They identified four objectives that include solidarity for independent media and civic space, financial sustainability of media outlets, the influence of African media stakeholders in digital policies and debates, and improved media literacy and professionalism.
Digital media entrepreneurs are transforming media in Latin America. Apart from producing news, they generate change by defending human rights and exposing corruption. However, journalists also face violent threats to discourage them from reporting on specific topics and people, a study reveals. It recommends growing audience to increase revenue and customer loyalty to inspire donations.
When global media brands enter local markets, they restructure advertising markets that favour state-funded media over local media. The ubiquitous spread of smartphones and digital media has enabled real-time news, user-created content and commentary. However, there is a lack of credible independent nationally-focused news reporting. What are the ten factors that alter the media market place?
Kenya’s independent media has long grappled with shrinking donor support, skills and capacity shortfalls, and government restraints. An extensive report suggests strengthening the capacity of journalists and connecting them to civil society and new partnerships. Last but not least, coming up with solutions to shield journalists from government intimidation and influence.
Our modern world faces serious challenges which include climate change, economic disparities, and technological deficits, among others. A group of scholars from around the world have been working on how journalists can address these global threats sustainably and at the same time, become part of the solution.
What makes a successful newsroom? A study that looked at three major news sources; The Guardian, The Independent, and Buzzfeed, found that innovation is critical to adapting news media in a changing world. Being innovative means the ability to communicate and listen, set clear goals and share them with your team. The survey also suggests knowing one’s strength and your audience.
Uganda’s media is threatened by the challenging economic and political environment, as well as the rise of social media. A report published by Reuters Oxford Institute suggests that a non-profit approach to journalism could be a solution. The Ugandan Radio Network is one example. Funded by European countries, it has become a success story on the non-profit approach to Media Viability.
Radio remains the most popular medium of communication among Uganda’s youth, according to a study. The same survey found that smartphone is rapidly changing how people access the internet. Respondents that were less educated and low-income people placed more trust in local state-run media, whereas more educated higher-income groups were more likely to trust the foreign press, the study found.