7th IREN Eastern Africa Media Training

Published on 4th March 2009

Theme: Africa Resources Conflict: Whose interests does the press serve?

Date: 11-14 March 2009

Venue: Nairobi 

The 2009 IREN Eastern Africa Media Training

Journalists provide a mirror through which the society interrogates its daily actions. However, the need to balance profit and news; perennial ‘calls from above’ and patriotism; and the quest to remain focused amidst competing ideologies has influenced the way the press work in Africa and the rest of the world. These factors have led to ‘silences’ and ‘blurred’ mirror image of Africa to such an extent that journalism stands accused of not representing Africa’s interests. 

What has been the role of the press from the scramble for Africa, cold  war era coups, civil wars over oil and other mineral resources to post independent Africa’s drive to control the ‘national cake’? The Inter region Economic Network is honored to host the 7th IREN Eastern Africa Media Training that will interrogate this issue and conclude with an open Public debate. 

IREN media trainings traditionally host 35 journalists, and trainings are contacted by 5 panelists. This year, a debate component has been included to enable the public participate in interrogating the subject: The Press Does Not Serve Africa’s Interests.

The Background

For the last six years, the Inter Region Economic Network has trained over 200 journalists who cover business, development and governance issues from various independent media houses in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia and Zambia. The annual training aims at exposing journalists to factors that influence events in the world and to principles of wealth creation.

Past Media Trainings 

Date    Theme

2003    World Trade Organization

2004    Business and International Trade

2005    Property Rights in the African Context

2006    Conquering poverty through business in Eastern Africa

2007    Turning Africa people into a resource

2008    The Role of the Media in Positioning Africa in the 21st Century’

2009    Africa Resources Conflict: Whose interests does the press serve? 

2009 Eastern Africa Media Training Course outline

Day 1

1. Arrival and Registration

2. Reception and Key Note address on Africa Media Landscape

Day 2

1.Natural resources distribution in Africa

· Map out surface and subsurface wealth in Africa

·  Resource exploitation in Africa –who are the beneficiaries?

2.Resource driven conflicts in Africa

·  What are the driving forces 

3.The impact of resource driven conflicts in Africa

·  Women and children

· Social Economic Environment

·  Political institutions 

Day 3

1. Whose interest does the press in Africa serve?

·  Bottom line Vs News

·  ‘Calls form above’ (political interference) Vs Patriotism

·  Who should regulate the media

·  Professionalisms and work ethics 

2.Open Forum ‘The press does not serve Africa’s Interests’

Application Deadline to participate in the Open Forum February 28, 2009

Cost of attending

Registration: *USD 50 (Ksh 3,500)

*Media training delegates exempted 

Participation Criteria

The training is open to journalists keen on regional and Pan African issues. If you are keen on being analytical, critical and balanced in news coverage, you are the ideal candidate! Please send our events manager the following:-

· Duly filled in application form

·  Letter of nomination from the media house you work for

· A one paragraph bio-data

· 100 word statement of expectations 

7th IREN Eastern Africa Media Training Application Deadline February 15, 2009 

Cost of attending

Registration: USD 320 (Ksh 25,000)

Accommodation: *USD 165 per day (full board)

Travel: *all participants to make their own travel arrangements

*limited scholarships available on first come first served basis 

For Details call Anne Mugoya +254202731497

Email [email protected]

Click here to Download the Registration Form


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