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Other articles in the RAP 21 Newsletter n° 8/2005:
The Business of Newspapers
Cameroon: Rural newspapers face unique challenges
NEWS FROM THE MEDIA SCENE
Record number of African countries in WAN World Press Trends 2005
Investigative journalists honoured in Uganda and Mozambique
Latest press freedom news from the continent
FELLOWSHIPS
Call for African applicants for 2006 Alfred Friendly Press Fellowships
AWARDS OPPORTUNITIES
International Investigative Journalism Prize
Newsletter n° 8
3.06.05
NEWS FROM THE MEDIA SCENE

Transferring journalism skills from San Francisco to Monrovia

In 2004, Liberian editor Charles Jackson was accepted into the prestigious Knight Fellowship Programme at Stanford University. After an intensive year at the world-renowned learning institution, Jackson spoke to RAP 21 on his experiences at Stanford, new forms of journalism and transferring his skills back to the African media scene.

RAP 21: How did you benefit from your year of study at Stanford?

Charles Jackson: I think that the skills I gained will have a positive effect on my life as a journalist who is interested in working to improve the quality of the life of my people. Stanford is a unique and respected higher institution, with a peaceful environment conducive for learning and research activities. The professors were outstanding. There were no internship opportunities, however.

My topic of study was Media and Human Rights in Emerging Democracies, so I took courses in International Human Rights and International Law from the Law School, and Strategic Management, Managing Growing Business and Venture Capital from the Graduate School of Business. I also took courses in opinion writing, public issues reporting and perspectives on American journalism.

RAP 21: What have you learned about the American media scene that can be transferred in practice to Africa?

Charles Jackson: I think what is gaining popularity in the United States is online publishing. More people are getting accustomed to online journalism because of internet accessibility, and the new media concept innovation journalism, which is journalism that is dedicated to reporting on innovation (Innovation is a main driving force for economic growth, and is the core activity of many leading industries. Editors note). It covers technical, business, legal and political aspects. I think this can be replicated in Africa.

RAP 21: Now that you are more familiar with the American media, in what way is the African media scene unique?

Charles Jackson: African media still have a long way to go in terms of resource mobilisation, manpower development and ensuring the general well-being of journalists. The uniqueness of the African media scene is that journalists are trying to cope with these daunting challenges in addition to real dangers: journalists are commonly thrown into jails, physically assaulted, beaten and media houses set ablaze and barred under repressive media laws all in the name of national security and the war on terrorism.

The new political leadership of the Africa Union would do well to encourage African governments to undertake urgent steps to dismantle all of the repressive legal regimes and allow press freedom to flourish so that the media can be a part of the promotion of the goals and objectives of the New Partnership of Africa Development (NEPAD). The NEPAD initiative will not make any meaningful achievement without the involvement of the media, which is one of the vital institutions for the promotion of democracy, a key component of the NEPAD strategy.

RAP 21: What was the most surprising aspect of your fellowship?

Charles Jackson: The most surprising thing is that I did not experience any cultural setback. My English was excellent so I interacted freely. I made lot of friends among professors, students and members of the church I attended. My church members were very friendly: my photo and well as my wifes were posted on their website when we were received during the regular worship service. We were the only Africans in the all-white church. I will forever cherish those moments. Also, most people are very ignorant about Africa. So when you meet people they would like to know more about Africa.

RAP 21: Did you become involved in activities outside of your studies?

Charles Jackson: I served as one of the panellists for the monthly forum hosted by the World Affairs Council, which discussed media reportage on conflict situations around the world. The Knight Fellowships hosts regular weekly seminars for all fellows, at which distinguished Stanford professors served as speakers. The seminars were engaging and dealt with contemporary issues on both US domestic fronts and the international arena. The final seminar was addressed by US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice.

RAP 21. What are your plans now?

Charles Jackson: My career goal is now to become a publisher in Africa to promote social justice issues. My next step is to mobilize resources to either produce a magazine or establish an online publication.
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