Media Newsletter – October 2025
Dear reader Find how A.I can unlock your writing superpowers, apply for two career-boosting opportunities in Germany, and what made 2025 a big year for Godwin Asediba. 
1. Journalism trends: When Reuters journalist Catarina Demony filed her story on the global reparations movement, she believed it was well-researched, balanced, and accurate. Covering complex subjects like transatlantic slavery and colonialism demands sensitivity; something she's always valued. But when she ran the article through Africa Bias Buster, it made her pause. The AI tool identifies stereotypes, assigns a bias score, and suggests practical ways to make stories more accurate and nuanced. For Catarina, it wasn't just a one-time test. It has become a new step in her reporting process. "This tool is an invaluable resource for any journalist covering Africa or issues affecting Africans. It helps avoid repeating harmful historical stereotypes while promoting more accurate, respectful, and balanced storytelling. It reminded me to stay committed to accuracy and sensitivity, to represent diverse voices, and to convey historical context," she said. For Catarina, every story is an opportunity to get it right. And sometimes, changing how the world sees Africa begins with one question: Could this be said better? Try it here. 
2. Who's funding: Do you work in journalism or the cultural and creative industries in Mauritania, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt? Apply for the CCP Fellowship. Benefits include a monthly stipend, collaboration with a host organisation from the CCP network, mentorship, professional development opportunities, a multiday transcultural workshop, networking and inclusion in the CCP alums network. Deadline:10 Dec. More info. 
3. Training opportunity: Do you want to shape the journalism of the future? Apply for the DW Traineeship. It kicks off in January 2027. The paid 18-month opportunity comes with training and seminars on relevant journalism topics, placements with various DW editorial department, and prospect of ongoing contract working for DW worldwide. Deadline: 17 Nov. More info. 
4. In the spotlight: It has been a celebratory year for Godwin Asediba. The Ghanaian broadcast journalist, investigative reporter and documentary-maker is the 2025 BBC News Komla Dumor Award winner. The award judges said Asediba's investigative work and his unwavering belief in journalistic integrity impressed them, especially an investigation called Troubled Morgue, produced for #TheAssignment on TV3 Ghana. In it, he returns to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital morgue in Accra, two years after my first visit. What he found was heartbreaking, a place where the dead lie forgotten. Trouble Morgue also won the 2025 Michael Elliott Award for Excellence in African Storytelling. Watch the report here. 
5. Stories that moved us: This is why a new diamond polishing facility in South Africa has sparked discussions about beneficiation and ethical trade, as the continent seeks to capture more value from its mineral wealth; According to the African Development Bank, the continent's textile and apparel industry has the potential to reach US$15.5 billion in annual exports by 2030 if value chain integration continues; and as tourism across Africa reaches record-breaking levels, a fierce contest is unfolding between Egypt and Morocco for the title of the continent's most popular travel destination. There's also Uzoma Dunkwu, a man on a mission to inspire generations of African children to connect with their heritage and culture, starting with a colouring book of African attires. These stories, produced by Bird story agency, highlight Africa's progress, innovation, and opportunity. Complete the African Stories: A guide for journalists on how to tell better stories about Africa course for skills that empower you to reimagine how you tell stories about the continent. It's free and only takes three hours to complete. Follow @BirdStoryAgency on social media for more stories that represent Africa better. Media outlets that want to use bird content, for free, can contact tom@africainsight.co.ke |