BBC News launched its scheme to support journalists with disabilities in Kenya on Wednesday. This ensues following the broadcaster aim to train the next generation of journalists and producers to world-class standards. The changing times need first-class journalists who have the skills and competence required in the journalism career. Therefore, the BBC’s director launched an initiative that will serve to put the journalists with disabilities at the forefront. The scheme is set to benefit the Kenyan journalists first.
The event for the unveiling of the same took place at Serena Hotel in Nairobi on Wednesday, and the attendees were; BBC’s British Chamber of Commerce Graham Shaw, head of East Africa language Rachel Okwir, and star head of content Paul Ilado. They were in attendance to celebrate the success of BBC in Africa, which reports in 13 different languages and has launched more than 20 TV programs in 18 months. These TV shows range from business, politics, to sports, to mention but a few.
The BBC has a long-standing commitment to Africa and telling African stories, reaching more than 100 million people every week. We want to develop independent journalism in the continent, and to support those whose voices often don’t get heard. We know it’s hard for people with disabilities to get opportunities in journalism.
“Aim High will give aspiring journalists with disabilities hands-on experience, bespoke training and mentoring, and I urge people to apply,” said Tony Hall. The instructions on how to apply for this remarkable opportunity will be revealed shortly afterward.
Globally, BBC reports to 394 people audience who consume its international services regularly. Such services include the BBC World Service, BBC World News television channel, and bbc.com/news. BBC World Service delivers news in English and 41 other languages on radio, TV, and digital platforms.
Starting in April 2020, the international news agency will roll out its plan of three-month placement to three aspiring journalists with disabilities. During the deployments, the journalists are expected to be in the Nairobi bureau, working with news teams in different African languages, work on TV programs, and digital production. Through these avenues, they will gain new knowledge on what is expected of them and as a result, become skilled journalists.
The opportunity is open to any journalist with a visible or invisible disability, aspiring or experienced in journalism. All journalists with any disability should embrace this chance to hone their skills and advance their careers.
Announcing the scheme dubbed as ‘Aim High,’ BBC director Tony Hall said, “The new initiative will offer three-month placements to three aspiring journalists with disabilities, starting from April 2020.”
Tony Hall also announced plans to unveil BBC’s first co-production in Kenya, called ‘Kenya Connects.’ This is a program for the young people that airs out current affairs and is the product of the KTN TV channel, one of the media houses in Kenya. He will also recognize the winner of the Komla Dumor Award, Solomon Serwanjja, from Uganda. Tony Hall, the director of BBC, will then fly to the biggest BBC network as well the HQ, London. Later on, he will produce a special report on the subject he likes from Africa.
