Page 54 - The Channel Issue 2 2010

groups have elements that are independent but there is very little independent journalism and quality news. Kenya is steeped in corruption, huge sums of money disappear, and independent reporting of these news is not seen.

What is Zimbabwemedia focusing on?

The world has become so obsessed with Mugabe and the fact that ZANU-PF have chosen him as their leader for life, that Prime Minister Tsvangirai's efforts to revive the economy are being ignored. It's a sad story, he is the real loser, he has stabilised the country and is trying to turn the economy around but is not getting the attention and support from the media. I can't see how this is going to change unless in the next elections Tsvangirai wins outright and does not have to enter into this marriage of convenience with Mugabe.

Are there models for how things can be turned around in Africa?

There are several models. The economy of Rwanda has been transformed beyond all recognition, in fact Rwanda is making the headlines with its female MPs which outnumber the male

t is the depressing and the sad news about Africa that usually makes it onto breaking news across TV screens across the world – death, destruction and disease. It's what sells. I feel there needs to be a balance between the positive and the negative - this is where Viewpoint Africa is going to come in. We have a formula whereby our news sources on the ground get a significant slice of the profits, and we are currently seeking media companies who can partner with us moving forward.

Central to the media debate is the power struggle between government control of media and independent journalism. What is happening in Sierra Leone?

A national public broadcaster, the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), was formed in April 2010 by a merger of the former state-operated Sierra Leone Broadcasting Services (SLBS) and Radio Unamsil, the United Nations radio network in Sierra Leone linked to the peace-keeping mission. The aim is to boost the independence of the media. SLBC claims to be truly independent but the concern is, how independent

can the SLBS be if the same editors, producers, managers that were part of the old SLBC are only changing hats. And who should decide who the main players in those media outlets should be? The UN have been in that country for over ten years, trying to address the issues and are seen as a credible player. The question is how much of their legacy will be affected should this newly forged relationship with the SLBC not work at all.

In Kenya the government is clamping down on media yet new commercial initiatives are being launched.

In the 2008 elections, there were violent struggles between the two camps around Mwai Kibaki – now the President – and Raila Odinga – now the Prime Minister. Back then journalists were accused of inciting anarchy, but they were only doing their job. Currently the government is introducing rather draconian reforms: journalists can be arrested, media outlets reined in, equipment confiscated, telephones tapped. It puts pressure on journalists – you have to be in one political camp or in both camps if you want to survive.

The Nation and Standard media

Sierra Leone-born Ayo Johnson, founder and director of news media house Viewpoint Africa, uses cutting edge technology to make the case for a progressive and developing Africa. Media across Africa is a huge topic – we singled out some issues and asked Ayo how the African media landscape is changing I

THE CASE FOR AFRICA