The business crisis facing journalism across the world has profound implications for journalism education, particularly in Africa. Journalism schools train young people for careers as full-time professionals – but is this still valid amid a shrinking job market? Or are there other ways of thinking about journalism that suggest new possible student groups and require the curriculum to be rethought.

Prof. Thomas Patterson moderated this discussion with Fall 2021 Joan Shorenstein Fellow Franz Krüger, whose recent paper for the Shorenstein Center delved into these questions. The pair were joined by Prof. Anthea Garman, Head of the School of Journalism & Media Studies at Rhodes University, and Dr. Emily Maractho, Director of the Africa Policy Center at Uganda Christian University.

This event was co-sponsored by the Wits Centre for Journalism at the University of the Witwaterstrand, Johannesburg, where Franz Krüger is Adjunct Professor. Dr. Dinesh Balliah, Acting Director, also made welcoming remarks.