Media Freedom and Digital Rights in Africa

Course Description

"Media Freedom and Digital Rights in Africa" is an advanced-level course offered by StellenboschX that delves into the critical issues of freedom of expression, access to information, and media freedoms in the African context. This comprehensive course provides a deep understanding of the principles that underpin these fundamental human rights and explores how they apply to both traditional and digital media landscapes in Africa today.

The course offers a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical insights, examining legal frameworks, international standards, and the elements that contribute to an enabling environment for thriving, democratic media. It addresses contemporary challenges such as digital rights, disinformation, and the impact of artificial intelligence on journalism. By the end of this course, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to advocate for positive change in free expression within their countries and beyond.

What Students Will Learn

• The principles of freedom of expression and access to information
• How to assess restrictions on media freedoms using international standards
• The components of an enabling environment for a thriving media landscape
• Digital rights and their importance in the online world
• The challenges posed by disinformation and the business models of internet companies
• The potential impacts of Artificial Intelligence on media and journalism
• Strategies for effective civil action to promote positive change in free expression

Prerequisites

While there are no specific prerequisites listed for this course, it is described as an advanced-level offering. Therefore, a basic understanding of media, communications, or human rights concepts would be beneficial. Proficiency in English is necessary, as the course is conducted in English.

Course Content

• Principles of freedom of expression and access to information
• International and African legal frameworks for media freedoms
• Criteria for assessing restrictions on freedom of expression
• Media independence, safety, pluralism, and diversity
• Digital rights and universal access to the internet
• Government interference with internet access and surveillance
• Challenges of Artificial Intelligence in media
• Disinformation and strategies to combat it
• The role of civil society in promoting democratic media policy
• Effective engagement channels for civil society
• Law reform processes and potential challenges to civil society

Who This Course Is For

• Journalists and media professionals
• Policy makers and government officials
• Civil society activists and human rights defenders
• Students of media studies, law, or political science
• Anyone interested in media freedom, digital rights, and democracy in Africa

Real-World Applications

• Advocating for media freedom and digital rights in local communities
• Developing policies that promote a free and diverse media landscape
• Assessing and critiquing existing media laws and regulations
• Implementing strategies to combat disinformation
• Engaging in civil society actions to promote positive change in media freedoms
• Advising on the implications of new technologies like AI on journalism and media
• Contributing to the development of ethical guidelines for digital media use

Syllabus Overview

The course content appears to be structured around four main themes:

1. Free expression, access to information, and media freedom
2. Media independence, safety, pluralism, and diversity
3. The internet and freedom of expression
4. Effective civil society engagement in support of democratic media policy

Each of these themes likely encompasses several lessons or modules that explore the topics in depth, including case studies, expert insights, and interactive discussions.