ANF February 2025 Media Community Newsletter

Find out how AI aggregators are disrupting journalism, meet Egypt's music journalist documenting major shifts in North Africa, and read innovative stories by Africans.

1. Journalism trends: New Competition on the Horizon! Should journalists rethink social media platforms for news sharing? The Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism report 'Journalism and Technology Trends and Predictions 2025' shows how AI aggregators are emerging as potential replacements for media platforms. According to data from Chartbeat, which analyzed nearly 2,000 news sites, search engines like Google AI now deliver more click-throughs than popular social media platforms. The findings also reveal a sharp decline in news traffic from Facebook (down 67%) and X (down 50%). With AI-powered aggregators such as Grok.ai: Boring News and Particle AI gaining traction, journalists and news publishers must consider partnering with AI companies for licensing arrangements to stay relevant in the evolving digital landscape.

2. Who’s funding:Do you have a compelling climate story to share? The Doc Society Climate Story Fund calls on storytellers with projects  that illuminate the interconnectedness of all life and demonstrate how climate action can lead to a more inclusive, equitable, and resilient world. You will get grants of up to $125,000 to complete your nonfiction project or  fund impact campaigns for completed fiction and nonfiction works. Deadline: 10 March. More info.

3. Training opportunity: Are you looking for funding and creative partnerships that can connect you to financial partnerships? Do you want to create networks that can boost your profile and turn your creativity and storytelling into a sustainable business? Join the Africa No Filter Academy Presents: How Creatives and Storytellers Can Attract Funding fireside chat with George Gachara to find out what you can do to attract funders. Date: 27 February. Register here.

4. In the spotlight: When Menna Shanab discovered she could use her craft as a writer to give a voice to shattering stigmas and trailblazing the creative future of Northern Africa, she built a reputation as a music journalist. The US-born Egyptian journalist is documenting major shifts in North African industries. Driven by a desire to reconnect with her Egyptian heritage, she relocated to Egypt to tell stories of the region's rich and evolving scenes, providing a platform for artists and creatives. Whether she is telling stories that inspire young girls to embrace their skin tone, or profiling cultural disruptors, Menna is committed to sharing nuanced narratives of emerging subcultures and evolving traditions in Northern Africa. She currently works as YUNG's music editor.

5. Stories that moved us: As soon as school is out, Kenyan teacher, Dominic Orina is back in his garden, concentrating on teaching a completely different school: his 280K+ Facebook followers, raising an army of vegetable lovers online. Also, read how Victor Kiarie is developing an Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool designed for architects, builders, and developers to create structures that are in harmony with their environment; and find out, how Joy Machugu Zenz is empowering African women to break into export markets, establish themselves abroad, and grow businesses across continents.

Follow @BirdStoryAgency on social media for more stories that represent Africa better, away from stereotypes of poverty, disease, poor leadership, corruption and conflict. Media outlets that want to use bird content, for free, can contact tom@africainsight.co.ke