Indian journalists warn over creeping surveillance
Journalists in India have expressed alarm at plans by the state government in Maharashtra to set up a ‘media monitoring’ centre that will keep tabs on news coverage related to the authorities across print, electronic, social and digital mediums. Details contained in a published Government Resolution said the monitoring body will classify news as either […]
Youth activists look to combat misinformation
By Ruhamah Ifere of YourCommonwealth, a pioneering network of young aspiring journalists. Ruhamah is a Community peacebuilder, Youth and Sustainable Development Goals Advocate, and Gender Equality Activist On Commonwealth Day, Truly Verify Africa pioneered a revolution! The virtual event themed “Verify, Innovate, Transform”, hosted in Lagos, brought together industry leaders, AI experts, and young changemakers to reshape […]
The vital difference between mainstream and social media
Roger Mosey, centre, with Winston Mano, Director of the Africa Media Centre, University of Westminster, left, and CJA UK President Raymond Whitaker. The media industry – what is now called the mainstream or legacy media – has to “stand firm” against the influence of social media rather than trying to imitate it. This was the […]
Commonwealth countries’ “dismal record” on media freedom
By OREN GRUENBAUM, of the editorial board of the Round Table, the Commonwealth’s journal of international affairs, where this article first appeared. More people than ever before will vote this year – half of the world’s population in more than 80 countries. But free speech – the very lifeblood of democracies – is increasingly under threat as governments […]
Indian media mourns killing of investigative journalist
Media rights organisations in India have expressed outrage over the killing of Mukesh Chandrakar, pictured, a prominent journalist known for his anti-corruption investigations. The body of MrChandrakar was found by police hidden in a septic tank in the compound of a construction contractor in the state state of Chhattisgarh, a few days after his family […]
Taking your first steps into a journalism career?
The Commonwealth Journalists Association is opening applications for its 2025 mentorship scheme, now in its third year. We offer individual guidance from established journalists in fields including broadcasting, print and online. “I got useful advice from a professional which I’ll carry forward in establishing my career.” – Mentee The scheme is particularly suited to those […]
Grief and anger in Pakistan, another journalist is killed
The mounting violence against journalists in Palkistan has claimed yet another victim. Local reporter Malik Zafar Iqbal Naich, pictured, was shot dead while distributing newspapers in Rahim Yar Khan, in southern Punjab. He is the eighth journalist killed in the country since January 2024. The killing prompted a wave of condemnation from Pakistani media organisations. […]
We say Drop these trumped-up charges
The CJA has issued this statement in defence of all journalists working in Bangladesh. The Commonwealth Journalists Association is deeply shocked that Shyamal Dutta, Editor of Bangladesh’s Bhorer Kagoj newspaper and a vice president of the CJA was kidnapped along with two colleagues by unknown militants on 15 September. The three journalists were robbed by […]
India blocks another foreign correspondent
Another French journalist has been forced to leave India after the authorities refused to renew his work permit, the second such case this year. Based in India since 2011, Sébastien Farcis, pictured, reported for the French daily newspaper Libération and the French public radio broadcasters RFI and Radio France. The Ministry of Home Affairs refused to renew his work permit in […]
Grief and anger in Pakistan as yet another journalist is killed
The mounting violence against journalists in Palkistan has claimed yet another victim. Local reporter Malik Zafar Iqbal Naich, pictured, was shot dead while distributing newspapers in Rahim Yar Khan, in southern Punjab. He is the eighth journalist killed in the country since January 2024. The killing prompted a wave of condemnation from Pakistani media organisations. […]