Farm Radio Weekly is a news and information service for rural radio broadcasters in sub-Saharan Africa. It is published by Farm Radio International.
Radio Resource Bank
Date Posted: May 13th, 2013
Posted in: Issue #246, Past Issues, Radio Resource Bank
Search for Common Ground has published the fifth in a series of ten modules that provide guidance on various aspects of managing and operating community radio stations. The modules are intended to build the capacity of independent rural radio stations in Africa.
Module 5 is now available in English and French. The guidebooks provide practical advice to help improve administrative management, increase resource generation, use financial tools, and improve marketing strategies. They also provide guidelines for programming.
Module 5 continues the theme of the preceding module and elaborates on ways of involving community members in production and programming – a central feature of community radios.
It presents the notion of “public programming,” highlights the advantages of listeners’ clubs, and offers practical guidance to make programs genuinely participatory and community-oriented.
You may need to register for this site, but it is simple, fast and free to do so. You can download module 5 through this link:
http://www.radiopeaceafrica.org/assets/texts/pdf/2013-manual-sustain-mod5-color-en.pdf. Or visit http://radiopeaceafrica.org and click the Guidebooks link on the left.
Date Posted: April 29th, 2013
Posted in: Issue #244, Past Issues, Radio Resource Bank
“Silence kills democracy … but a free press talks.”
Since 1998 the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) has actively monitored cases in which media employees have paid the ultimate price in their efforts to bring us the news.
In 2012, 68 journalists were killed as a result of their professional activities.
To mark World Press Freedom Day, WAN-IFRA has published a bank of resources for journalists. It is available in several languages, including English and French.
To view the materials available for download, follow this link: http://www.wan-ifra.org/articles/2013/03/28/materials-to-download
Date Posted: April 29th, 2013
Posted in: Issue #244, Past Issues, Radio Resource Bank
The Reuters Foundation is inviting journalists to attend the Seminar on Global Security, September 23-25, 2013 in Tbilisi, Georgia.
The seminar will address topics such as: security, terrorism and the media, and sexual violence in conflicts. It will also provide practical training for journalists.
Candidates must be have at least seven years of journalism experience in print, broadcast, or online media, be fluent in English, and demonstrate an interest in covering security issues and conflicts.
Journalists around the world are eligible for this seminar, but those from Egypt, Algeria, Mali and Nigeria are particularly encouraged to apply. The Reuters Foundation will provide grants to cover participants’ travel and accommodation.
The deadline for applications is June 2, 2013.
For more details and how to apply, visit: http://www.trust.org/course/?id=a05D000000FJ1DjIAL
Date Posted: April 22nd, 2013
Posted in: Past Issues, Radio Resource Bank
African journalists are invited to participate in a six-week online course: “Covering Development in Africa.” The course will be held from May 20 to June 28, 2013.
The course is offered by the International Centre for Journalists (ICFJ). It will be led by two media consultants with extensive experience in Africa: Christopher Conte and Sputnik Kilambi.
Topics to be covered include: how to identify good development stories; key Issues in reporting agriculture, mining and the environment; and reporting on the role of government, international organizations and foreign aid.
The course is offered in English and French. It is open to computer-literate African journalists with at least five years of professional experience. Participants must be willing to spend time reading materials, researching assignments and interacting online with instructors and fellow participants.
To apply for the course, visit: http://e-learn.icfj.org/enrol/index.php?id=221#section-0. You will need to create an account via the login link in the top right-hand corner of the page. The enrolment form will become available after you create an account.
For more information, please contact Christopher Conte at cconte@icfj.org.
The deadline to apply is May 6, 2013.
Date Posted: April 15th, 2013
Posted in: Issue #242, Past Issues, Radio Resource Bank
The international peasants’ movement, La Via Campesina, has been defending and expanding the practice and policies of food sovereignty around the world for 20 years.
Land has become a valuable commodity in international speculative trade. Farmers are particularly affected.
As a part of their continuing campaign, La Via Campesina is calling for a day of mobilization on April 17, the International Day of Peasants’ Struggles, in an effort to resist the commercialization of nature and stop land grabbing.
The organization invites everyone to plan activities such as protests, art exhibitions, direct actions, discussions, film screenings and farmers’ markets, in your village, school, neighbourhood, organization or community.
You can inform La Via Campesina of your plans by sending an email to: viacampesina@viacampesina.org
La Via Campesina invites you to send reports, pictures and videos of your action. The organization will publish them on the new Via Campesina TV channel and create a map of actions around the world on www.viacampesina.org
You can subscribe to La Via Campesina’s mailing list by sending a blank email to: via.17april-subscribe@viacampesina.net
Date Posted: April 8th, 2013
Posted in: Issue #241, Past Issues, Radio Resource Bank
Every year, Reporters Without Borders compiles and publishes its Press Freedom Index report, which ranks press freedom in 179 countries. Rankings reflect the degree of freedom that journalists, news organizations, and citizen journalists enjoy in each country. It also takes into account measures taken by authorities to respect freedom of the press.
According to this year’s report, “Although many criteria are considered, ranging from legislation to violence against journalists, democratic countries occupy the top of the index while dictatorial countries occupy the last three positions.”
To access a summary of the 2013 report along with a table that ranks all 179 countries, click here: http://en.rsf.org/press-freedom-index-2013,1054.html
To access the full report: http://fr.rsf.org/IMG/pdf/classement_2013_gb-bd.pdf
Date Posted: March 24th, 2013
Posted in: Issue #240, Past Issues, Radio Resource Bank
This Catholic Media Council (CAMECO) report examines and attempts to gain a deeper understanding of particular practices and challenges for engaging local communities in radio. The survey analyzed the level of community participation in different aspects of local and community radio stations, including programming, management, ownership, and funding.
The survey found that, in all regions, community participation is strongest in programming. But there are significant differences between regions in the level of community participation in other aspects of community radio station operations.
The survey will serve as a foundation for further in-depth research and practice-oriented publications as part of CAMECO’S “Practice Series.”
To view the full survey report, visit: http://www.cameco.org/english/publications/CAMECO-Practice-Series/
Date Posted: March 18th, 2013
Posted in: Issue #239, Past Issues, Radio Resource Bank
The International Federation of Journalists, in partnership with UNESCO, has produced a guide to understanding and reporting on gender issues in journalism, entitled “Getting the Balance Right: Gender Equality in Journalism.”
The handbook provides insights on how journalists can help promote gender equality in their reporting. It will help them assess progress on gender equality in the media, identify challenges and contribute to local, regional and global debates on gender issues. The goal of the handbook is to equip journalists with more information and understanding of gender issues in their work, and to help design policies which promote gender equality and the advancement of women worldwide.
To access the guide online, visit: http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0018/001807/180707e.pdf
Date Posted: March 11th, 2013
Posted in: Issue #238, Past Issues, Radio Resource Bank
Journalists and other members of the media often encounter ethical dilemmas when reporting on stories in their communities. For example: Do individuals in public service lose their right to a private life? Do the ends of reporting justify the means used to get the information? At what point do you lose your independence as a journalist?
These are important questions for any newsroom, and the reason why the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) created the manual: Journalism Ethics: A Global Debate.
This manual shares stories from journalists working in the field around the world in order to provide a practical framework for making ethical decisions on a deadline. Journalists and media managers are encouraged to think and talk about ethical issues in the workplace, in order to develop ethical standards that fit their needs and circumstances.
The manual begins by establishing a framework for dealing with ethical dilemmas in the workplace, then considers specific case studies. Each case study offers a glimpse into how members of the media dealt with ethical reporting issues and what lessons they learned. Case study topics include freedom and responsibility, accuracy and fairness, and maintaining independence in journalism. After each case study, the manual asks you to consider what you would do differently if you were in that situation.
Find a copy of the manual by visiting:
http://www.icfj.org/resources/journalism-ethics-global-debate-0
Date Posted: March 4th, 2013
Posted in: Issue #237, Past Issues, Radio Resource Bank
In recognition of International Women’s Day, this week’s resource focuses on an issue that one in five women will experience in their lifetime. Yet this issue remains one of the most underreported crimes: sexual violence.
The Poynter News University is offering a free online course designed to teach members of the media how to report on sexual violence in their communities.
The course discusses the language surrounding sexual violence and aims to dispel harmful myths and stereotypes reinforced by bad reporting. It also offers guidelines for interviewing survivors of sexual violence in a professional and compassionate manner, and challenges course participants to consider how common stereotypes about “who” perpetrates sexual violence interfere with attempts to prevent and understand this crime.
The course is self-directed, so you can start and stop at any time and progress at your own pace.
For more information about the course or to enroll, visit: http://www.newsu.org/courses/reporting-sexual-violence
Also, if you’d like to hear an amazing story about how women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are using radio to fight rape, visit: http://www.jinamoore.com/2012/03/08/congo-women-fight-rape-radios/
Date Posted: February 18th, 2013
Posted in: Issue #236, Past Issues, Radio Resource Bank
L’Organisation Internationale de La Francophonie and Reporters without Borders have published ahandbook that aims to help journalists understand their responsibilities during elections and cover them successfully.
While elections should be an expression and a strengthening of the democratic process, sometimesthey can pose a threat to peace and security. As a journalist, it’s important to know your duties andobligations during elections. It is also useful to know what to do when you encounter obstacles toinforming the public about relevant election issues.
This manual is designed to help journalists adhere to appropriate professional and ethical values inorder to provide fair and balanced information about candidates, their programs and the electoralprocess.
You can find a copy of the manual at:
English: http://en.rsf.org/handbook-for-journalists-during-20-07-2012,43063.html
Date Posted: February 11th, 2013
Posted in: Issue #235, Past Issues, Radio Resource Bank
Reporters without Borders and UNESCO have published a handbook entitled ”Guide for Journalists.”
The guide provides tips for journalists operating in conflict zones or other areas where there is a clear threat to safety. It summarizes international legal standards that protect the freedom of the press and offers practical advice for handling yourself during a crisis.
Which rules do you need to follow in conflict zones? What is the first thing to be done if somebody is injured? What types of protections benefit journalists in an armed conflict? These are some of the questions this guide seeks to answer.
The Guide for Journalists can be found at the following link:
http://en.rsf.org/handbook-for-journalists-17-04-2007,21744.html
Date Posted: February 4th, 2013
Posted in: Issue #234, Past Issues, Radio Resource Bank
Based at the University of Illinois, Scientific Animations Without Borders (SAWBO) focuses on using animations to transmit educational and development messages with mobile phones.
The idea is simple: they present concepts in an animated format, with audio files available in different languages, including some African languages. The SAWBO videos are distributed freely to anyone who wishes to use them for educational purposes.
Broadcasters may find the information useful for their agriculture and health programs. They can also download the videos to their phones to share with communities they visit.
SAWBO has developed online platforms so that anyone with access to the internet can download the videos to or via a mobile phone, and then share using Bluetooth technology.
To receive the SAWBO newsletter, please email the team at animations@illinois.edu
The videos can be accessed via computer or mobile phone on SAWBO’s website at: http://www.sawbo.illinois.edu
A video explaining SAWBO can be found at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjtOHFFJSpc.
A video on the SAWBO program can be found at: http://www.americasheartland.org/episodes/episode_721/smart_phone_farming.htm.
Date Posted: January 28th, 2013
Posted in: Issue #233, Past Issues, Radio Resource Bank
Technologies and practices for small agricultural producers (TECA) is an initiative of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization’s Office of Knowledge Exchange, Research and Extension.
Available in English, French and Spanish, the website covers topics such as apiculture (bees & honey), natural resource management, nutrition, post-harvest handling and marketing.
TECA also offers a web-based communication tool called “exchange groups” where members can comment on or start a discussion on any subject, or share news of upcoming events. Broadcasters can find relevant information and advice to use in their programs and to support those working in the field.
Please visit http://teca.fao.org/home or email teca@fao.org for more details.
Date Posted: January 21st, 2013
Posted in: Issue # 232, Past Issues, Radio Resource Bank
Between December 2010 and March 2011, Internews conducted research in Sudan and South Sudan looking at what it takes for radio and other media to produce positive changes in their listeners’ lives. Their findings conclude that broadcasters have a tremendous opportunity to change lives, but only when they connect with the needs of local populations!
By getting more connected to your audience, you have an extraordinary opportunity to have a positive impact on your listeners!
Read the full document by visiting: http://www.comminit.com/clickthru/e837a257b392eef7423c3bbca1f35589?node=9297646
Date Posted: January 14th, 2013
Posted in: Issue #231, Past Issues, Radio Resource Bank
The website Scidev.net provides a range of news, discussion and comment on science-related news from around the world. It also contains a lot of reference material and key documents categorized by topic, which may help producers who are researching news or science stories. In addition, it provides some very handy practical guides for journalists on subjects such as how to report science in local languages and how to use digital tools in journalism. The guides are available in English and French.
http://www.scidev.net/en/science-communication/practical-guides/ (English)
Date Posted: December 16th, 2012
Posted in: Issue #229, Past Issues, Radio Resource Bank
The Transom.org website provides a wealth of information, support, training, and ideas on producing stories for public radio. In the “Tools” section of the site, you can find product reviews and tips on how to use different tools.
One of the tools focuses on recording phone calls. This detailed piece offers advice on how to get good recordings. It looks at high and low tech options, including options for analog, digital, and computer-based phones.
Read “Recording phone calls” here : http://transom.org/?p=1165
Date Posted: December 10th, 2012
Posted in: Issue #228, Past Issues, Radio Resource Bank
Facebook is one of the many social media that can be useful for journalists. Facebook has created a page called “Facebook + Journalists.” The page explains how journalists can use Facebook in their work.
Access the page through https://www.facebook.com/journalists and then click the “Like” button to view the information. You can access many other links and information, post on the “Wall,” and interact with a community of journalists across the world. Most Facebook pages are available in many languages. This page is continually being improved and updated.
Date Posted: December 3rd, 2012
Posted in: Issue #227, Past Issues, Radio Resource Bank
Inter Press Service (IPS) is a news agency that covers development, human rights, globalization and environmental issues. IPS has recently begun to prepare a select number of its stories in “rip ‘n’ read” format. These stories can be read directly on air, much like the stories in Farm Radio Weekly.
The IPS stories available in this format come from all over the world and cover a variety of topics. If broadcasters use the stories in their programming, IPS requests that they mention them as the source.
Find the stories here: http://ipsinternational.org/africa/radio.asp
The regular IPS news pages are available in a number of languages, including French: http://www.ipsinternational.org/fr/
Date Posted: November 26th, 2012
Posted in: Issue #226, Past Issues, Radio Resource Bank
Search for Common Ground is preparing a series of ten modules that provide guidance on different aspects of management and operations in community radio stations. The modules are intended to build the capacity of independent rural radio stations in Africa. Topics covered include administrative management, generating resources, financial tools, marketing strategies, and guidelines for programming.
Module IV of the training guide is now available in English and French. This module looks at the characteristics of community radio stations and how these influence programming. Different types of ownership are examined, and the different forms of collaboration between radio stations and the community. The module also details how to prepare a programming schedule.
Registration for the site is simple, fast and free. To access the module, go to: http://radiopeaceafrica.org/index.cfm?lang=en&context_id=3&context=manuals
Or visit the http://radiopeaceafrica.org website and click the Guidebooks link on the left.
