THERE WILL BE INK - Initiative for Policy Dialogue

Executive SummaryPurpose of the ReportThis report is intended to serve as a guide <strong>for</strong> organizations considering establishing journalisttrainingprograms in Nigeria, Ghana and Uganda. The report provides an overview of the challengesand opportunities in the journalism profession in these three countries. Generalizations acrosscountries are difficult. Thus, we encourage anyone making use of this report <strong>for</strong> program planningto consider the findings on each country as a distinct entity.BackgroundThere is vibrant, multi-plat<strong>for</strong>m media in all of the countries of the study. Each country has a mix ofstate-owned and independent media. Media independence from government varies from onecountry to the other. In terms of content, there is a broad range of quality. But little of thejournalism on economics and the extractive industries offers deep analysis and expertise.The extractive industries are of different sizes and development in each country. Nigeria has a welldevelopedoil sector that dominates its economy. Ghana has a large mining sector, and recentoffshore oil discoveries indicate that its oil sector will greatly expand. Uganda does not have a largeextractives industry, but also has recently discovered oil, which is likely to play a large role in theeconomy in the future.Challenges Facing JournalistsJournalists suffer from a variety of obstacles to their jobs in all three countries, including:• Poor pay• Access to in<strong>for</strong>mation – In all the countries studied, journalists face problems obtainingin<strong>for</strong>mation from both government and business sources.• Pressure from government or business – Media freedom varies widely from country to country, butbribery of journalists is common everywhere.• Lack of technology• Lack of skillsImpact of TrainingAcross countries, journalists had an overwhelmingly positive view of training programs. Journalistssaid that training significantly improved their writing. Solving the skills deficit in their reportingmade it easier <strong>for</strong> journalists to address the other challenges to their work. However, training doesnot always lead to better journalism, principally because it only addresses one challenge (a lack ofskills) of the many facing journalists in these countries.RecommendationsMany factors are important in improving journalism, but it is clear that training is a key strategy. Ourstudy shows that training programs <strong>for</strong> journalists covering the extractives can have a strong,positive effect. Most recommendations are country-specific, but a few are relevant to all threecountries:• Provide both local and international perspectives• Offer financial assistance to make attendance feasible• Incorporate training on understanding content and general reporting skills– 1 –