A1 Radio’s Mark Smith has been selected for the prestigious Digital Public Infrastructure Journalism Programme, an initiative run by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) with funding from Co-Develop.
Smith, host of the Day Break Upper East Show, is among 45 journalists chosen from Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria. He also serves as the online editor for A1 Radio’s website, a1radioonline.com.
Reflecting on his selection, Smith shared, “Being part of this fellowship is a tremendous honor. It’s an opportunity to deepen my understanding of digital public infrastructure, which is a critical area for the future of journalism in West Africa. I’m excited to learn, share insights, and contribute to the growing body of work that supports inclusive digital growth in the region.”
The DPI Journalism Fellowship is designed to increase public awareness and access to information on Digital Public Goods (DPGs). It also seeks to promote the inclusive, safe, and equitable adoption of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) across West Africa.
Smith emphasized the importance of such initiatives in the region, stating, “In an era where digital transformation is reshaping how information is shared, journalists play a key role in ensuring that these tools are accessible and beneficial to all. This fellowship will allow me to equip myself with the knowledge and skills needed to cover these essential topics more effectively.”
The fellowship aims to train journalists in covering complex topics surrounding digital infrastructure and public goods, areas often overlooked but crucial for the region’s development. After a rigorous selection process, the 45 fellows were chosen from 291 applicants in the second phase of this competitive programme. The cohort includes 28 men (62%) and 17 women (38%) from Benin, Ghana, Nigeria, and Togo.
The fellowship will run from November 6, 2024, to January 31, 2025, with post-fellowship activities continuing until April 2025. During this period, the fellows will engage in multiple training sessions on DPI/DPGs and receive editorial support to produce in-depth, well-researched stories for publication or broadcast.
Smith added, “I look forward to collaborating with fellow journalists from across the region, exchanging ideas and exploring the many opportunities that come with expanding access to digital resources in our communities.”
In addition to training, fellows will gain access to a dynamic DPI/DPGs website that offers content on DPI/DPGs developments in West Africa and Africa. The platform will also showcase impactful stories produced by journalists in the fellowship, fostering a collaborative environment.
The fellowship also provides fellows with the opportunity to join an active and growing network of DPI/DPG Journalism Fellowship Alumni, connecting them to a community of like-minded professionals committed to advancing digital transformation in the region.
With the fellowship’s launch, Mark Smith is poised to further strengthen his commitment to regional journalism and play a key role in the ongoing digital revolution in West Africa.
“This programme is not just about personal growth,” he concluded. “It’s about contributing to the broader mission of digital inclusivity, ensuring that our communities are not left behind in this digital age.”
Source: A1Radioonline.Com|101.1MHZ|Bolgatanga|
