For some time now, press freedom and media growth in Africa have been stifled, especially by politicians and overzealous law enforcement agents, who are bent on having things go their way. Their intensions have been carried out through various means, including harassment to imprisonment, and equipment seizure to demolition of media houses.
In line with that, the 6th Bagauda Kaltho Media Lecture which holds on 19th September, 2024, will x-ray the negative impact of censorship on the media, and examine the relationship between the media and state actors.
The topic “Censorship and State Control: Analysis of African Countries where Press Freedom is Severely Restricted” is timely considering the strong desire of Africans to demand good governance and transparency from their leaders. Dr. Samson Omotosomhe of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria, who will present the paper intends to focus on African countries worst hit by this while analysing the effect on democracy.
His paper will be followed by a panel featuring journalists from Somalia, Kenya and South Sudan who will discuss the paper, drawing examples from what is happening in their respective countries, including personal experiences.
As usual, AMDF will use the opportunity provided by the Media Lecture to present the 2024 Courage in Journalism Awards to two deserving individuals, Nigerian Journalist Gabriel Idibia of Daily Times Newspapers, and Somalian journalist Alinur Salad, founder of Dawan Media. These two have demonstrated resilience and adherence to the rules of the profession while under fire.
They have also displayed courage by returning to their journalism work despite the oppressive experiences in the hands of authorities and hoodlums in their respective countries.
Bagauda Kaltho in whose memory the lecture is being held, was a courageous Nigerian journalist who went missing in a mysterious circumstance in 1996.
Zhiroh Jatau
AMDF Press Freedom Manager
[email protected]
12th September, 2024