Dar es Salaam. The British High Commissioner in Tanzania explained yesterday that despite the fact that Africa has many opportunities in various fields, journalists have focused on reporting on issues of extreme poverty, hunger and conflict.
Mr. David Concar called on African journalists to change their modus operandi, noting that good journalism at this time in and about Africa was demanding because it often involved writing some of the most challenging stories of the time.
He was speaking in Dar es Salaam when BBC News launched the 2023 Komla Dumor Award in celebration of journalistic talent in Africa.
At the event, Zambian TV and radio presenter Dingindaba Buyoya, 25, was awarded the 2022 Komla Prize and later presented a discussion for BBC World Service’s Focus on Africa programme, on the impact of climate change on Kenya. and Tanzania. .
Mr Concar told the African journalists who had gathered at the event that, as the start of a new year, it was fitting that the award looked to the future, to identify exceptional talent with the ambition and potential to become a future star.
“Someone who not only tells stories that matter, but tells African stories that matter, and tells them with flair and strong journalistic skills,” he said.
He noted that high-quality African journalism needed to show that Africa is much more than poverty, famine and conflict. He needed to tell the stories that matter about African innovation.
“African business. African economies. African businessmen. African movies, African music and sports – watch the Morocco World Cup go viral in December,” she recalled.
Launched in 2015, the award was created to honor the memory of the distinguished Ghanaian broadcaster Komla Dumor, who presented on BBC Africa and BBC World News.
Known for championing robust and dynamic journalism and for his commitment to reporting African stories in a comprehensive and authentic manner, Mr. Dumor made a significant impact in Africa and the rest of the world. Being the first time the award launch has been held in Tanzania, Mr. Concar asked all journalists across the continent to review the criteria and consider applying, but he put the emphasis on reporters from Tanzania.
“I want to particularly encourage entries from Tanzanian journalists. I have seen firsthand the commitment that exists among journalists here, even in difficult times. I know there is talent here that can go far,” he exuded.
He also said that today’s uncertain world, beset by global challenges, needed great journalism. But, maintaining great journalism was getting harder.
“Funding for high-quality journalism, especially investigative reporting, is scarce. Journalists in many parts of the world struggle with low or unreliable pay and access to professional development,” he said.
In addition to spending three months working at the BBC with news teams in London on TV, radio and online, the successful candidate will also have the opportunity to travel to a country in Africa to report on a story they generate and investigate, which will be broadcast. to the BBC’s global audience.
