A world without knowing - 20 Feb 2012

Could you ever imagine a world without having access to information? A world in which we didn't know what was happening around the world? For the life of me, I can't for one second imagine just how it would be. News sites, newspapers, radio, television, social networks - just how they have become part of our very existence is beyond amazing.

There isn't one day where I go about my everyday doings without having to check social networks to see what's happening in the world. First thing I do in the morning is check Twitter; the last thing I do at night is check Twitter. There is a constant need to know what is happening around me, locally and internationally. And I'm very sure there are millions out there who feel the same way I do.

Just last week, in Malawi, a civil society body barred state journalists from attending a news conference it was hosting. The reason was because of the state broadcaster's biased reporting. This incident is just one such account in which media does not have access to information.

In Somalia, the government announced that the communications "law" for the Somali telecommunications and broadcasting industry has been "finalised"; however, the National Union of Somali Journalists has condemned the government's latest moves to control the freedom of expression, freedom of information and independent broadcasting in the country. The union of journalists condemns the 'communcatiion law' and feels that the bill will undermine broadcasting, disrespect editorial independence and hinder the flow of information to the people of the country.

In Uganda, the Press Freedom Index Report released by the Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda indicates that the media space is rapidly "shrinking and sinking", due to increasing levels of attacks, especially by the police.

Suddenly, doesn't it become easier to imagine living in a world where you don't know what's going on around you? Think of all the questions you will have. Who will be able to answer them?

In other news: the Journalists' Union of Malawi has partnered with Transparency International to conduct a 'Reporting Corruption Training Course for Malawian Journalists' to be held in Malawi next month; deadlines for application close Wednesday, 22 February 2012. Blantyre Newspapers has released e-editions of four of its titles, namely the Daily Times, Weekend Times, Malawi News and Sunday Times. ITNewsAfrica is set to host the Tech Demo Africa Showcase, aimed at showcasing technology from established companies, as well as startups; the showcase takes place in Johannesburg, South Africa in April 2012.

As we continue to bring you industry related news from around the continent, we welcome you to send all your Africa marketing and media news to moc.ytinummoczib@swenacirfa and opinion pieces to moc.ytinummoczib@acirfa-srotubirtnoc, take a look at our guide "How to contribute to Bizcommunity, from op-ed pieces to news", as well as follow us on Twitter @Biz_Africa and join our Facebook page.

Here's to keeping you in the know!

Evan-Lee Courie (@evan1985)