Challenges of covering 2010

EFFA TAMBENKONGHO in Grahamstown
Reporting 2010 was a cause for concern at the Highway Africa’s Conference in South Africa because it is the year of first world cup on Africa’s soil.

A World Cup does not come without extensive media coverage and it was in this light that the Foundation Director of Agence France Presse (AFP) Robert Holloway hosted a seminar on the challenges of reporting 2010 at Rhodes University.

He said that other aspects surrounding the World Cup should not be forgotten, such as social and financial issues. Among the social issues, the case of the fight against the spread of the HIV/AIDS was a concern to especially the female folks who saw the woman as the most vulnerable person in the spread. Strategies were discussed on the fight against the spread. NGOs and campaign groups which are taking up this challenge have already begun ground work. This cause was said has to be championed by the journalists, so a workshop held by ‘heartsminds’, presented a campaign that aims to humanise the story of HIV/AIDS by bringing in the voices of people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA). The workshop was aimed at journalists, NGO representatives and other stakeholders.

The session started with a documentary on effective HIV/Aids reporting in which two journalists from Botswana showcased how they tackle the sometimes fatigued subject. The HIV and AIDS and Gender Media Specialist, explained the importance of putting a human face on the story and not just relying on the grey statistics.

He encouraged journalists to look past the disease. “You should convey the feelings but still remain objective and remember that there are human beings behind the statistics,” he said. He listed the four key points of reporting on the disease: academic, content, field reporting and production and critique.

The audience raised pertinent questions about language and cultural issues, accreditation of journalists, and Fifa’s strong hold on broadcasting rights.

Jermaine Craig, an audience member and media manager for Fifa’s World Cup Organising Committee in South Africa said his biggest concern is that African journalists are not taking enough advantage of the 2010 World Cup. “Africa’s best story is unfolding and I’m worried that

Africa isn’t telling it well enough,” he said. It appears that African journalists may not be aware of or used to the accreditation process to cover the World Cup, which starts in December, he added. Craig admits that there are access issues, particularly for broadcasters, but assured that any bona fide journalists are welcome to apply to cover the event.
I think African journalists are best placed to tell the stories of the World Cup.