2009 Articles

Power and Pressure: African Media and the Extractive Sector

Schiffrin, Anya M.

This article argues that one of the reasons for the poor performance of African journalism is the difficult conditions under which African journalists work. This has naturally affected their reporting. Underpaid, poorly trained and working under both political and commercial pressures, many African journalists suffer from the devaluing of their profession, which has left them vulnerable and isolated. Improving the quality of media in Africa requires an understanding of both the importance of a well-functioning media and the reasons for its failure. Therefore, this paper begins with an examination of the link between the role of the media and economic development, followed by an articulation of the key challenges facing journalists in Africa today. These challenges are illustrated through a case study of African coverage of the extractive sector.