FAAPA: African sports journalists organize themselves into a network

by times news cr

The RJS-FAAPA aims to promote the exchange of experiences and data as well as the sharing of skills between its members in all areas of common interest, particularly in the field of sports journalism.

The members of this new FAAPA network intend to organize thematic seminars and symposia under the aegis of FAAPA, but also in partnership with organizations and institutions on an African and international scale.

FAAPA is organizing a training seminar in Rabat under the theme “Mastering techniques for the good practice of sports journalism”, for the benefit of more than twenty journalists from African press agencies.

Held at the African Center for Training Journalists (CAFJ), at the MAP headquarters, this training seminar (May 23 – 27) is supervised and led by professional journalists and expert trainers in sports press.

The RJS-FAAPA, created unanimously by the participants in this seminar, carries out its action thanks to the active support of its members who provide it with their support and skills. It can, if necessary, secure the support of experts or organizations external to it.

The creation of this network aims to facilitate knowledge, the circulation of information and mutual assistance between journalists who are members of FAAPA, stressed Mr. Mamadou Salif Diallo, Head of the Sports Department at the Senegalese Press Agency (APS), who was appointed Coordinator of RJS-FAAPA.

“African news agencies have difficulty covering continental and international sporting events, due, among other things, to a lack of information, training and support, hence the idea of ​​creating a network of sports journalists from news agencies,” he told MAP.

Mr. Salif Diallo indicated that this new FAAPA network plans to soon launch the “African athlete with a heart of gold award”, which will reward African athletes, or those of African origin, who excel in their respective disciplines, but also those who have a positive impact on their societies.

The idea of ​​this African sports prize will be proposed for approval by the FAAPA General Assembly, he said.

Mr. Amadou Sy, a journalist at the Mauritanian Information Agency (AMI), was appointed Secretary General of RJS-FAAPA. He considered that the establishment of this network aims to “further unite sports journalists from FAAPA member news agencies, give them more strength, voice and opportunities to cover international competitions.”

The Network will not only strengthen the capacities of sports journalists from member news agencies, but also advocate for them to be more present at international sporting events, said the SG of RJS-FAAPA, adding that this new structure will be called upon to better defend the voice of Africa during international competitions and voting for the awarding of prizes and awards.

In addition to a secretary general and a general coordinator, the RJS-FAAPA includes seven advisory members representing the Burkina Information Agency (AIB), the Cape Verdean Press Agency (INFORPRESS), the Gabonese Press Agency (AGP), the Namibian Press Agency (NAMPA), the Nigerian Press Agency (NAN), the Sierra Leone Press Agency (SLENA) and the Moroccan Press Agency (MAP).

Created on the sidelines of the 1st Forum of Press Agencies of Atlantic and West Africa in Casablanca, FAAPA constitutes an essential milestone for the modernization of information and a professional platform that allows African countries to share their experiences and know-how in the field of press agencies.

2024-09-09 07:14:13

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