Online Journalism News

Somalian journalists network online

SOJON, the Somali Journalists' Network, has launched an extensive new web resource for the country's professional journalists.

The site will provide training, support and information on press freedom issues in Somalia, and will also act as a central information point for researchers and journalists around the world.

"SOJON was initially established in 2002 for internet journalists, but also provides a public face for all Somali journalists," said Omar Faruk Osman, secretary general of SOJON.

"This site will provide information on press freedom violations as well as news of our progress."

The site was launched on 2 November at a cost of around $1,000, which was donated by Somali news publishers and friends of the group.

"The rights of the Somali press have often been violated and we are not well regarded - even by the international community," said Mr Osman, who has previously been threatened by Somali Police after publicly objecting to government proposals for strict media regulation.

"Newspapers are much less reliable and much more monitored than the internet, which provides up to date news for the country and suits the 'tell me' Somali culture."

Recent SOJON training courses workshops included workshops for women reporters, web designers and internet journalists. Courses were funded by a variety of organisations including Oxfam Netherlands, and groups of Somali journalists based in London and Oslo.

"I know that this internet project will be very successful," said Mr Osman.

"We wanted to build this site to show what Somalia is capable of."

See also:
http://www.sojon.org
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/899781.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/2292493.stm
http://www.internatpen.org/WSIS.htm
http://www.ifj.org/default.asp?index=943&Language=EN
http://www.ruunkinet.com

Tags (click tag to find related articles; click icon for feed):
london | internet project | usd | internet journalists | web resource | news publishers | oslo | web designers | somalia | strict media regulation | somali police | omar faruk osman |

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