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Can you report good news in Africa?

By Sarah Oughton
August 24, 2009 at 4:09 pm

So be honest, when you think of Africa what springs to mind?

African child in orange cloak

If it’s something other than safari or famine then I’m pretty sure you’re not the average Brit.

If you’re a journalist and think Africa has more to tell than famine and disaster, conflict and corruption, then it’s good news for you with the Red Cross’ Good News for Africa competition.

Media coverage of Africa tends to focus far too heavily on the negative, which isn’t to say that stories about HIV or conflict in Darfur don’t need to be told, of course they do.

But the Red Cross believes there’s a whole lot more to the African story and is seeking to change stereotypes through this competition which challenges journalists to tell the good news.

On a personal note, I’d like to issue a little challenge of my own to all TV producers – let’s get more dramas made like The No 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency. I love this show, totally entertaining and totally challenging the safari or famine stereotypes.

For rules of the competition and further information visit the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies website.

Image © Daniel Cima/American Red Cross


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