Media Newsletter – 16 May

Find out why newsletters and podcasts are becoming increasingly important for news organizations, and how you can take your media start-up to the next level.

1. Journalism Trends: These are interesting times for publishers and news outlets. There is an overload of general news content, while audiences are moving away from consuming general news. Enter podcasts and newsletters as a way to build a deeper connection with audiences and to encourage them to come back more frequently by developing unique and specialized content in the form of podcasts and newsletters. The Journalism, Media and Technology Trends and Predictions 2023  report, which surveyed 303 media leaders in 53 countries, found that 72% of respondents said they’re putting more resources into podcasts and other audio content, while 69% said they will focus on newsletters. Meanwhile 76% said they’re turning to digital video to connect with audiences.

2. Who’s funding: Are you interested in technology and the impact of algorithms and automated systems in their communities? The Pulitzer Center is offering a 10-month fellowship to journalists from anywhere in the world to pursue an in-depth AI accountability story that examines governments and corporations’ uses of predictive and surveillance technologies to guide decisions in policing, medicine, social welfare, the criminal justice system, and more. Grants are worth up to $20,000 and come with access to mentors, training, and peer-to-peer networking. Deadline: 1 July. More info.

3. Training Opportunity: Are you a journalist or media start up working on innovative platforms that can reshape journalism in Africa? The Jamlab Accelerator Programme offers virtual mentorship and coaching from experienced media, startup and tech experts and entrepreneurs, and a three-month Media Entrepreneurship course offered by the Wits Centre for Journalism. You’ll also get opportunities to pitch to potential investors, funders, and various stakeholders. Deadline: 19 May. More info.

4. In the spotlight: BBC Africa Eye’s Sex For Grades  shows the impact of investigative journalism has to change the lives of ordinary people. Here, investigative reporter, filmmaker and entrepreneur Kiki Mordi goes undercover as a student to uncover sexual harassment at the University of Lagos and the University of Ghana. The story is personal, as Mordi dropped out of school after being sexually harassed by a lecturer. The report won awards and nominations including a nomination for an International Emmy Award in the Current Affairs category.

5. Stories that moved us: After failing his engineering exams in 2019, Moses Aiyenuro fell into a depression. Worse still, he could not access mental health care immediately until he came into contact with a trained therapist, and they started talking online via WhatsApp. Aiyenuro then started thinking about how to help others in similar situations. In 2022, he partnered with psychology graduate Ebunoluwa Collins to launch Blueroom Care App, making mental healthcare available to everyone in Nigeria. More here.

Are you an African journalist who wants to tell better stories about Africa? bird news agency is looking for you, but first, you have to complete the African Stories: A guide for journalists on how to tell better stories about Africa  course. It’s free, digital, and only takes three hours to complete. Then you can pitch and get paid to publish on bird.