The neglect of africa

Abstract

Serious journalism is deserting an entire continent, argues Suzanne Franks, who writes: This is the year of Africa. British politicians are falling over themselves to declare 2005 a unique opportunity for the West to sort out Africa's problems. ... In July Britain will host the G8 conference at which great pronouncements are expected on the fate of Africa, and in September there is the UN Millennium summit. But how is Africa being reported and will the media use this year as an opportunity to take Africa seriously? Over the past 30 years there has been a steady decline in the attention given to reporting Africa. This presents a paradox; for just as communications and technology have improved, so the coverage of difficult-to-reach and faraway places has in some cases deteriorated. It is now easier to fly to remote locations and to broadcast stories from them, but we are no longer so inclined to do it.