Media is one of the most powerful forces shaping how societies see themselves and each other. Yet journalism is facing profound change. Across Africa and beyond, newsrooms are navigating shifting business models, evolving audience habits, digital disruption, artificial intelligence, disinformation and growing pressure on independent reporting.
Against this backdrop, Media in Africa brings together some of the continent’s leading media voices to explore the realities of journalism today and what lies ahead.
Produced in partnership between the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung’s Media Programme Sub-Saharan Africa and Meridian17, the ten-part podcast series examines how African media is produced, financed and consumed, while also exploring how Africa is reported on internationally and how those narratives influence perceptions, policy and partnerships.
Hosted by journalist and broadcaster Georja Calvin-Smith, anchor of France 24’s Eye on Africa, the series features conversations with journalists, editors, media entrepreneurs and communication experts from across Africa and Europe. Together, they discuss some of the most pressing issues facing the media sector, including press freedom, audience trust, funding models, fact-checking, public interest journalism, representation, and the impact of emerging technologies.
Episodes in the Series
Episode 1: Media Consumption: Who's Looking, Where & How?
Guest: Lisa MacLeod
Episode 2: Templates of Storytelling and Narratives
Guest: Moky Makura
Episode 3: Why Local Journalism Matters
Guest: Stephanie Busari
Episode 4: Partnerships & the Intentionality of News Stories
Guest: Ruud Elmendorp
Episode 5: Economics Behind the Media and Creative Industries
Guest: Marie Lora-Mungai
Episode 6: Safety and Ethics in Media
Guest: Mamaponya Motsai
Episode 7: Public Service Media
Guest: Claus Stäcker
Episode 8: The Power of Investigative Journalism
Guest: Hopewell Chin’ono
Episode 9: Meddling in the Media
Guest: Prof. Herman Wasserman
Episode 10: A Synthesis of the Series
Guest: Prof. Nancy Booker
More than a discussion about challenges, Media in Africa takes a constructive approach. Each episode highlights practical ideas, experiences and lessons that can help strengthen journalism and foster a more informed public conversation about the role of media in democratic societies.
The series also seeks to strengthen dialogue between African and European media ecosystems by creating space for open exchange, shared learning and greater mutual understanding. Through accessible and engaging conversations, Media in Africa invites media professionals, policymakers, students and the wider public to reflect on how journalism shapes our understanding of the world - and why independent, credible media remains essential.
Watch or listen to the episode below and join the conversation!
Listen here: https://media.rss.com/media-in-africa/feed.xml
