THERE WILL BE INK - Initiative for Policy Dialogue

otherwise being published in the private and state-funded media. While non-profit funding of anewspaper may not be a sustainable enterprise, it does seem to work to some degree.Many interviewees said that Public Agenda was the only publication in Ghana to pursue certainstories, particularly those that might threaten the private sector and therefore jeopardize a privatenewspaper’s advertising revenues or directly confront the government over a controversial matter.Precisely because Public Agenda is unique, its influence seems much greater than its circulation(around 10,000/month) might indicate. Moreover, because Public Agenda pursues controversialstories, its reports and articles are regularly re-disseminated, according to several journalists, throughother media, including radio and television. Thus, Public Agenda’s impact is greater than its output.Of course, Public Agenda’s unabashed advocacy journalism meant that some journalists found theirmethods and reporting too provocative.Recommendations for UgandaRecommendations for Trainings in UgandaLocation, Length and DesignUgandan journalists were fairly evenly split over where to hold the trainings. Some argued that local,inexpensive trainings are the best way to improve the quality of Ugandan journalism because morepeople would be able to attend. Others believed that trainings should take people out of Uganda sothey can focus on the program instead of on daily responsibilities, saying that the exposure this givesjournalists to other environments and developed markets is crucial.The business editors at Uganda’s major daily papers approached the concept of training differentlythan most of those interviewed. One, who said his experience working as a Reuters correspondentwas more useful than any of his trainings, suggested creating an internship program where reportersspend a month with Reuters or with papers in larger media markets, such as South Africa or theUnited States, so they can learn on the job. 226 Another suggested “organizing synergies” withnewsrooms at Reuters, the Financial Times and other major business publications to allow Ugandaneditors to interact with and learn from more experienced colleagues. He also recommended bringingin external facilitators – training editors or consultants – to spend three months at a media companytraining journalists in-house. 227 Both indicated that local media companies need an outsideperspective and that local trainers are less likely to be taken seriously by journalists.Opinions on the optimal program length also differed. Some of those interviewed were in favor oflonger programs – two weeks or more – to give journalists more time to become familiar with newconcepts and skills. Others believed shorter workshops focusing on a single topic would be morebeneficial.Many of those interviewed agreed that more trainers should come from the developing world,mainly Africa and Asia, as they are more likely to be able to relate to journalists in Uganda. Thosewho preferred local trainers emphasized the importance of working with highly experienced226 Ugandan Interviewee #8. 2009. Interview by Rebekah Heacock. Kampala, Uganda, January 8.227 Ugandan Interviewee #10. 2009. Interview by Rebekah Heacock. Kampala, Uganda, January 8.– 85 –