Empowering Independent Media Through Community Engagement
Partnering with the Digital News Transformation Fund to guide local newsrooms in building trust, driving digital innovation, and fostering participatory journalism across South Africa.
About the Initiative
We are the lead trainers for the Community Engagement cohort of a historic digital transformation fund. Our role is to help grassroots, rural, and digital-native publishers shift from passive "broadcasting" to active two-way community conversations — ensuring their long-term financial and editorial sustainability.
This work sits at the intersection of media development, digital inclusion, and participatory democracy — equipping newsrooms with practical tools and frameworks to become indispensable community platforms.
Core Training Pillars
Four integrated focus areas that drive our curriculum and community impact.
Participatory Journalism & Content Labs
Teaching newsrooms how to co-create content with their audiences, facilitate community story circles, and manage user-generated content ethically.
The Offline-to-Online (O2O) Flywheel
Strategies for leveraging physical community spaces and live events to build trust and safely capture first-party digital data.
Digital Inclusion & Low-Data Delivery
Overcoming South Africa's digital divide and data costs by mastering WhatsApp newsletters, audio storytelling, and mobile-first short-form video.
Trust, Safety & Revenue
Establishing emotional safety and strict data privacy as the foundation for exploring new revenue streams like memberships, local sponsorships, and civic partnerships.
Overcoming Industry Challenges
The specific barriers we help our clients overcome through targeted training and support.
Our Methodology
A proven four-step process that embeds lasting change in every newsroom we work with.
Deep-dive Needs Assessment
Understanding each newsroom's unique community, challenges, and digital maturity to tailor our approach.
Interactive Digital Workshops
Hands-on, participatory training sessions that build practical skills and confidence in digital tools.
Inclusive Journalism Frameworks
Implementing ethical frameworks that centre community voices, safety, and representation in every story.
Ongoing 1-on-1 Coaching & Mentorship
Sustained support through personalised coaching to embed new practices and drive lasting transformation.
Ready to transform your newsroom?
Let's discuss how our training programmes can help your organisation build deeper community connections.
Get in Touch