Having a Bigger Say (4)

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By Ding Zhitao (Beijing Review) 08:18, September 23, 2013

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African correspondents are keen to be involved with Chinese media in a symbiotic effort to both learn more about what is taking place in China and having an opportunity to contribute authentic news about what is happening in Africa on the ground. These correspondents are also well placed to explain the extensive amount of cooperation going on between China and Africa in fields as diverse as climate control and mining, to health and manufacturing.

A broader picture shows more collaboration between the Chinese and African media outlets. Major Chinese media outlets have established a sound media infrastructure and a broad range of channels for enlarging China's media footprint in the African continent. In 2006, China Radio International (CRI) began broadcasting from Nairobi, while Xinhua News Agency has over 20 bureaus across the continent. Xinhua's television station, CNC World, began broadcasting to more than 4 million African satellite and cable viewers at the start of 2011. Later in April 2011, Xinhua partnered with a Kenyan mobile operator to provide news feeds for mobile phones. In January 2012, the China Central Television (CCTV), established CCTV Africa based also in Nairobi and in the same month ChinAfrica magazine opened its African bureau in Johannesburg. In December 2012, China Daily, China's biggest English-language newspaper, launched its first African edition. These media outlets are exploring new business operation modes in Africa, some of collaborating with local media to do so. All these Chinese media outlets sent representatives to the media forum.

There were also calls for stronger new media at the forum. "Nigeria should, on behalf of Africa, establish a digital platform as Qatar has done for the Middle East," said Oloja. "Nigeria needs to upgrade its media organizations into a global brand that cannot be ignored." He suggested Chinese media create more content and programs and attract more qualified digital journalists that can use modern technology to drive more "traffic."

"The media is the mirror and in some cases the light," said Bello. "It should mirror the China-Nigeria bilateral relationship and where necessary proffer the direction it could be bettered."

(Reporting from Abuja, Nigeria)

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