In today’s digital age, mastering digital literacy is essential for journalists. It empowers them to effectively navigate technology, access reliable and factual information, and engage audiences through various platforms. As misinformation proliferates, equipping journalists with these skills ensures the production of accurate, impactful news that resonates in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
To further this topic in the context of journalism Ajen spoke to Willice Onyango, the executive director of The Youth Café, a Kenyan-based organisation aimed at empowering African youth through advocacy, policy, research, and other socio-economic initiatives.
Willice Onyango, The Youth Café
“Digital literacy in journalism encompasses a comprehensive skill set essential for navigating the contemporary media landscape,” Onyango explains. “As new technologies continue redefining the way news is gathered, produced and consumed, digital literacy is an indispensable skill for the next generation of journalists,” he added.
Onyango paints a picture of the current state of digital literacy in Africa, one characterised by significant disparities. One of the key challenges is the digital divide, which reflects an uneven distribution of access to technology – such as affording the internet, especially in rural areas and among lower-income populations.
“While there has been notable growth in mobile phone and internet penetration, particularly among younger generations, digital literacy levels remain relatively low compared to global standards.” Says Onyango. These barriers not only limit individual opportunities but also restrict the potential of the media landscape as a whole. However, there are pockets of high digital literacy, especially among young people in urban areas, signifying the potential for digital transformation across the continent.
In the context of the widening digital divide, focus on digital literacy also provides the opportunity for bridging the gap, empowering students to explore innovative revenue streams and adapt to the evolving media landscape, and contributing to a more accessible, diverse and representative media ecosystem. “By mastering digital tools, journalism students can effectively tell African stories, reaching a wider audience and fostering a deeper understanding of local issues,” Onyango adds.
Despite these phenomena, integrating digital literacy into African journalism curricula comes with its challenges which include:
- Teacher training and development: While essential, this aspect is often neglected. Educators require comprehensive training to effectively incorporate digital tools into their teaching practices.
- Rapid technological advancements: The swift pace of technological change poses difficulties in keeping curricula aligned with the latest developments in the field.
- Balancing screen time: It’s important to find a balance between screen time and other learning activities to prevent excessive digital consumption.
- Digital safety and ethics: Ensuring students understand digital safety and ethical considerations is crucial for protecting them from online risks and fostering responsible digital citizenship.
Once these issues are overcome, digitally literate journalists can create a significant impact in their communities. As seen during the COVID-19 pandemic journalists across Africa played a vital role in disseminating accurate health information and debunking myths. In Kenya, for example, journalists used data analysis and mapping tools to expose electoral irregularities, leading to significant political consequences. Similarly, investigative journalism efforts in South Africa and Nigeria, powered by digital skills, have uncovered corruption and mobilised public action.
Onyango emphasises that journalism curricula should focus on a range of skills, including digital storytelling, data journalism, and social media management, to enhance digital literacy. “A strong foundation in digital research and verification is essential, as is a deep understanding of digital ethics, privacy, and security,” he highlights. Essential tools for students including content management systems like WordPress and Drupal, data analysis tools like Excel and Tableau, video editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, and design tools like Adobe Creative Suite. Collaboration and fact-checking tools and initiatives like FactCheck.org and Africa Check.
Willice emphasises that governments and policymakers are vital in advancing digital literacy initiatives by prioritising education “Investing in digital infrastructure, such as expanding internet access and improving broadband connectivity, ensures equitable opportunities for digital education, especially in rural and underserved areas,” he asserts. Funding for digital literacy programs in schools, universities and community centres supports skill development across all age groups.
According to Onyango, organisations like The Youth Café are instrumental in this effort. “We implement digital media literacy programs to equip youth with the skills for critical engagement with digital content,” Willice adds. Their ‘My Digital World’ programme in collaboration with iEARN, trained 115 young Kenyans on managing online misinformation. They also developed the “Digital Media and Information Literacy in Civic Engagement” handbook, to enhance civic reasoning. The handbook is available in various languages and formats, including podcasts, graphics and animated videos.
With this, the next decade promises transformative change across Africa. “As internet connectivity expands, more people, especially in rural areas, will access the digital economy and educational resources,” predicts Onyango. Integrating digital literacy into education will equip students with essential skills, while journalism evolves with data-driven storytelling. “Enhanced digital skills will drive civic engagement, allowing citizens to hold leaders accountable,” he adds. Ultimately, digital literacy will empower young media entrepreneurs and support the creative sector, positioning Africa as a key player in the global digital economy.
This article was originally published by Kemiso Wessie in the Ajen newsletter