A Conversation on the Future of Journalism in Zimbabwe

Media Educational Development Initiatives for Africa –(M-E-D-I-A)

Theme: Solutions Journalism

Overview:

Amid national and regional challenges, journalists and writers in Zimbabwe have a choice: engage in constructive or destructive journalism. Center for Media and Peace Initiatives —CMPI, a New York-based nonprofit media and public policy think-tank recommends solutions journalism. Under the aegis of its Media Educational Development Initiatives for Africa (M-E-D-IA), the Center’s training is designed to support freedom and independent media in Zimbabwe. Instead of looking backward at all the problems that have plagued the media in the internet age, CMPI’s MEDIA project highlights initiatives, projects, and individuals that are actively countering the gloom and doom of African journalism — and succeeding. This solution oriented approach to journalism practice will be the focus of a daylong conference for journalists, media professionals, scholars, and policy makers.

Themed “Solutions Journalism: African Media and What Works” the conference will focus on examples in the media that are working and generating impact in Zimbabwe.

The training program – a daylong event will include lectures, and breakout sessions. A variety of journalism teachers, practitioners, and policy makers will lead discussions on the following key areas:

• Journalism in times of pandemic
• Media projects to counter polarization and disinformation
• Technology & security in editorial work and content delivery
• Effective methods for resisting threats to media freedom
• Engagement through social media
• Solutions and constructive journalism
• Trust-building techniques
• Different forms of storytelling
• Innovative business and ownership models