AudiencScapes

Reject Magazine reports on topics and regions neglected by the
mainstream Kenyan press.  Recent awards recognize how the publication
fills a void in the country’s media landscape. More from Dinfin Mulupi.

The potential of social media to connect activists in Zimbabwe is far
from being realized. Numerous obstacles must be overcome before these
tools can be used to express dissent and organize citizens as has
happened recently in North Africa. An analysis by Chief K. Masimba.

A lack of cooperation among major industry players is frustrating
investors and shortchanging citizens. Their reluctance to share
equipment like cell phone towers results in duplication of
infrastructure. Tawanda Karombo reports from Harare.

It’s been more than half a year since Zimbabwe’s government granted licenses to a handful of private newspapers. The licenses generated optimism that the state’s monopoly on the media was ending. Most newspapers are not publishing, leaving Zimbabwe’s independent media in an anemic state.

by Hannah Bowen, Africa Project Manager InterMediaLUSAKA, Zambia -- Traveling in East Africa this month, I’m hearing nonstop coverage of upcoming elections -- in Rwanda in August, Tanzania in October, Uganda next year, plus a referendum on the Kenyan constitution (not to mention a referendum on Southern Sudanese independence and the polls recently concluded in Burundi and Ethiopia). One of the recurring themes in all of this coverage concerns whether and how mobile phones will make the processes more transparent.

 A-Scapes Research Analyst Hannah Bowen recently delivered a presentation at the Population Reference Bureau highlighting research findings from our Kenya and Ghana quantitative reports regarding the role of gender in media consumption and access to health services.See the presentation here and share your comments with us in the comment box below