Researchers, journalists, artists come together

LUSAKA, ZAMBIA — For three days this week, a group of artists, researchers, journalists and others ready to make a difference sat around the Olive Grove room at the Intercontinental Hotel and talked about what they had in common.

Not much, one would think, on the face of it. Researchers talked about protocols and policies, journalists about tight deadlines and bad headlines, and the artists -- singers, dramatists, visual artists -- they talked about the myriad ways to create messages concerning matters of life and death.

How a Gringo teaches writing to Spanish-speaking journalists

This is a neat trick. You kind of fake it. You get them to teach themselves.

Finally Tanzanians ready to let Swahili grow

Editors Note: The author discusses the growth of the Kiswahili dialect in Tanzania.

For decades, Tanzanians have cherished their version of Swahili, considered to be the purest in the region. But in the spirit of opening up, they now seem to be accepting the "less pure" versions of the neighbours.

Last week I gate crashed into a retreat of top Tanzanian editors and media managers that was taking place in Arusha and it was a most rewarding experience.

Where routines are challenged, health reporting abides

Fuel shortages, power failures and Internet outages hinder, but don't halt health reporting here.Last night the lights went out, the sudden total onset of darkness followed by a resounding crash of thunder that went on, rumbling and clattering, shaking other bits of infrastructure for some minutes after.

Interpreting sounds in the darkness can lead to dire conclusions, and it seemed likely then that the power would stay out for some time, as it has in the past after routinely predictable events.

Partner in Serbia launches new web site with integrated content

Belgrade-based Beta news agency launched a new web site this week, presenting its neatly integrated text, video, audio and photo production. www.beta.rs

The first private and independent news agency in Serbia, Beta, has been a great host organization. Its young and dedicated reporters continuously strive to beat the competition and provide superior service to the agency's more than 250 subscribers. Their efforts meant a better Web was needed to present Beta's diverse production.

The Streets of Maputo: garbage and peacocks

Maputo was getting on my nerves big time. I was running out of cash. My credit card was not working. Opening a bank account was taking longer than expected. I had a bad cold. Every morning at 5:00, the peacocks of the presidential palace, 30 metres from my window, woke me up with their screeching.

When I packed for Maputo, it was 32 degrees in Pretoria, 500 kms away. Friends in Maputo said it was equally hot there, so I packed dresses. But the weather in Maputo is treacherous. Two days later a nippy wind blew from the Indian Ocean.

Lección de Soitu: banqueros son malos socios para medios digitales

Los proyectos de periodismo digital necesitan lo que se llama "el dinero paciente" para sobrevivir. Es decir, necesitan inversores que no estén buscando ganancias a corto plazo.

El inversor en Soitu, que cerró esta semana, era el BBVA, un banco importante.

Este tipo de empresas que cotizan en la bolsa se definen por sus resultados cada trimestre. Por eso, no pueden tolerar pérdidas continuas sin posibilidades de un retorno amplio.

Se necesita la pareja justa

Este matrimonio entre Soitu y el BBVA estaba destinado al divorcio desde el principio.

Emprendedores en el periodismo dicen, Atrévete

Los aprendizajes importantes para los periodistas emprendedores no se encuentran en los grandes medios ni en las universidades. Se encuentran en lanzar el proyecto periodístico y en escuchar a la audiencia.

Según dicen los emprendedores, atrévete. Falla rápido y frecuentemente. Realiza algunos ajustes a tu producto y pruébalo de nuevo.

Redes de periodistas ayudan a la capacitación, investigación

Los periodistas se están organizando cada vez más para hacer investigaciones internacionales y proporcionar capacitación a través de la Web.

De esta manera los periodistas superan la escasez de recursos en sus medios y las barreras de la distancia. La colaboración está reemplazándo a la competición.

New York Times deberá recortar su plantilla aun más profundo

A pesar de que los despidos representan el 8% de la plantilla, es inevitable que el Times haga más anuncios de este tipo para alcanzar un nivel en el que sus costos se ajusten más con sus ingresos.

El New York Times acaba de anunciar el despido de 100 periodistas para reducir costos, pero no será suficiente.