Media Newsletter - 31 January

1. Journalism trends to watch: Still think TikTok is for prepubescent teens showing off their dance moves? Think again. Tiktok is becoming the go-to social media platform for publishing news content. And some publishers believe that paying more attention to Tiktok and Instagram will be a game-changer. Spanish start-up Ac2ality is what happened when TikTok meets news. They built up around 3 million followers for a service that includes a one-minute round-up of top stories. That’s more followers than the Washington Post and the BBC combined. Read more.

2. Who's funding?: The Pulitzer Center funds reporting projects on tropical rainforests, with an emphasis on issues that have gone unreported or under-reported in the local and regional media. Grants are worth $2500 to $7500. Open to journalists, writers, photographers, radio producers and filmmakers. Freelancers are welcome. Deadline: Rolling. Apply here.

3. Training opportunity: Digital platforms have changed storytelling and how media works. The Reuters’ Introduction to Digital Journalism e-course offers four modules to help journalists learn the ins and outs of digital news in two hours. Participants get a certificate of completion. Register here.

4. In the spotlight: We love seeing African journalists recognised for their excellence and impact so we’re excited to discover that Mae Azango is a juror for the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize. The Liberian journalist for FrontPage Africa is also a director at New Narratives, a non-profit newsroom that supports news organisations in low-income countries. She is best known for producing stories that helped end female genital mutilation in Liberia. Well done Mae!

5. Let’s talk about sex: Africa No Filter’s Storify Africa Fellowship is looking for the first cohort of female journalists to conceptualise and craft compelling and nuanced multimedia feature stories about sexual health and reproductive rights. There’s a monthly stipend, training, upskilling and other benefits. Read this before you apply. Deadline: 11 February 2022.

Follow @Africanofilter and @birdstoryagency on social media for hot opportunities and alternative stories of Africa.