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Other articles in the RAP 21 Newsletter n° 32/2003:
Sierra Leone: A Newspaper Fights to Recover from Civil War
Alerts from the Continent
Internet Training for Media Associations in West Africa
Operations Manager for International NGO in Maputo, Mozambique
Awards for African Technology Journalists: US$ 2,000 Prize
Newsletter n° 32

26.09.2003


New African news portal: "A wish to to educate, inform and entertain"

"eCamnews", a web portal which focuses on African issues, was launched in September 2003. Through his US-based web site, the founder and director Charles Forchu wants to serve the African communities all over Africa as well as the rest of the world. Although aware of the fact that there are other web sites with a similar aim, he wants to make his own contribution to the African media landscape.

"eCamnews", a web portal which focuses on African issues, was launched in September 2003. Through his US-based web site, the founder and director Charles Forchu wants to serve the African communities all over Africa as well as the rest of the world. Although aware of the fact that there are other web sites with a similar aim, he wants to make his own contribution to the African media landscape.

RAP 21: Why did you feel there was a demand for a web portal such as "eCamnews"? Charles Forchu: I felt Africa needed a news portal for all Africans, a portal where Africans can read unbiased, non-partisan news. A place where we can showcase talented Africans like authors, artists, musicians etc. And most importantly, a portal where Africans can be educated about AIDS/HIV and other health issues. Something like the CNN for Africa.

RAP 21: What is the target audience of this web portal? Charles Forchu: Our audience is the African population or anyone who is interested in knowing what is going on in Africa as a continent. I have received hundreds of e-mails from non-Africans who stumble on the portal and are coming back daily to learn more about what is happening in Africa.

RAP 21: What kind of material is published on "eCamnews"? Charles Forchu: General news, career information, interviews, articles about health issues, AIDS information, editorials on different matters, commentaries, announcements and obituaries as well as information on artists, authors, new publications and sports. But this is only the first phase.

RAP 21: Is there a specific ideology behind "eCamnews", or do you see it mainly a business opportunity? Charles Forchu: The ideology behind "eCamnews" is to educate, inform and entertain. Business opportunity has never been part of my agenda. I am not making any money out of this web portal yet, and I am spending a lot to keep it alive.

RAP 21: What are the sources for the material on the web site? Charles Forchu: I get most of my news from CNN, the New York Times, IRIN News, Cameroon Tribune, Voice of America, the BBC, and other contributors. I also get material from the web site visitors who try to help keep Africans informed. They send me articles and news from other sources. Some of them are journalists and they let me get the best of what they have. I really applaud them. I hope we can have other Africans like them who have the same vision as me to make "eCamnews" the CNN of Africa. I know money is good. But it is not everything.

RAP 21: How is "eCamnews" financed? Charles Forchu: I have single-handedly financed the portal from conception to the present stage. As I said earlier, I have not made any money out of "eCamnews". I pay for everything out of my pocket. I do not have any sponsors at this time. I would be happy if I got some financial backing from organizations, individuals or government agencies who could help me.

RAP 21: You are looking for journalists, reporters, and news agencies in Africa who would be willing to make contributions to your web portal for free. Have you already managed to gather a team of such people? Charles Forchu: No. A few people have sent me some material. There are many journalists who have contacted me but they all ask for money to contribute news or other information. I cannot blame them. Not many people want to work for nothing. The few who were contributing stopped. Now I have only a handful left. I would like to have journalists from all over Africa who would contribute news from within their country, region or community. Then we will big enough to attract companies who could advertise on our site and give us some money to pay journalists and keep the staff happy. I really don’t care much about paying myself. If the portal is alive informing my continent, I am happy.

If you want to make contributions to "eCamnews", contact Charles Forchu at cforchu@ecamnews.com

You can visit the web portal at: http://www.eCamnews.com
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