The Association of Independent Publishers (AIP) announced that ten community publishers have been chosen to take part in a 21-day US study trip as part of a new partnership project to build the sustainability of print and online community media.
Ms Kate Skinner – AIP Executive Director, said earlier this year, AIP was granted funds through the US Embassy in South Africa to partner with one of the world’s leading academic institutions focused on journalism, the Institute for International Journalism (IIJ) within the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, USA.
Ms Skinner said the publishers were chosen through a rigorous and complex selection process from a list of over 60 applications.
“An independent panel of community media experts analysed applicants’ print and online presence, originality of content, AIP activity participation and dedication to community media.
“AIP and its project partners are confident that the selected publishers represent the diversity of community media and publishers in South Africa, taking into account gender, language and geographic location including provincial and rural/urban representation. The overarching aim of the study tour is for each of the 10 publishers to develop a unique, relevant sustainability plan for their publication.
“This will include building partnerships with local radio and TV stations, NGOs, government, and other local role players,” she said.
On their return to South Africa, the publishers will participate in four workshops organised around the country to consolidate and extend their learning and to share lessons with other publishers. The US trip is planned for the US summer of 2023. AIP will be in touch with the successful applicants about all arrangements.
The ten community publications selected to take part are:
1. Dizindaba (Western Cape)
2. Intuthuko (KwaZulu-Natal)
3. Likhanyile Group (National)
4. MeD8 (National)
5. Muslim Views (National)
6. Nhluvuko Nthavela (Limpopo)
7. Pondoland Times (Eastern Cape)
8. The Informer (Eastern Cape)
9. ThisAbility (National)
10. Xenor (Gauteng)
