Africa Media Matrix

Global changes have led to a point where watershed interventions are appropriate if African media leaders are to successfully tackle the challenges of democratization, development and globalization over the next 50 years. The continent's premier journalism teaching institution at Rhodes University has a purpose-built centre to equip African journalists?proposed one such step with skills and research to deal with changing politics, economics, technologies and management styles. This initiative is the "Africa Media Matrix".

The combination of architecture, equipment, personnel and programmes in this future-oriented facility will go a long way towards giving African media leaders a grip on the opportunities in a world of escalating change. The project is part of Rhodes University's 2004 centenary fundraising campaign, and it exemplifies the institution's character as a centre of excellence. In recognition of the high numbers of Rhodes graduates working in the media industry, particularly in top positions, South African companies expressed enthusiasm. Support has been offered in the form of fundraising help, architectural services and monies.

A new kind of facility

Competition in the 21st century means that economic pressures on the media will continue to grow. Even in comparatively media-scarce Africa, the scenario is that a media outlet will simply not succeed doing business in the old way, certainly not as a stand-alone entity with old technology and old markets. Read More