Introducing Sahara Reporters

February 3, 2013

By Fatima Sesay

Africa is probably the most neglected continent when it comes to media coverage. An independent group of African journalists are doing something about it. with a feisty media project that includes a bold website and You-tube based weekly TV show.

Founded in 2006 as an outlet of expression intended for citizen journalists, Sahara Reporters has become known as a brave online news agency that focuses on news in Africa, predominantly Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country with 160 million plus.

SaharaTV is the video component of Sahara Reporters, with Nigerians reporting stories about political corruption, misconduct, and human rights abuses.

“SaharaTV uses the internet as a low cost delivery system but with stylish graphics, impactful satire and commentary that discusses everything Africa, using many techniques to get information, footage, opinion, and first hand views,” says Nigerian human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, founder and publisher of Sahara Reporters. “It’s the most groundbreaking thing to happen to television in Africa.”

In a world where social media like Facebook and Twitter allow people to connect and share information instantaneously, Sahara Reporters seeks to divulge high profile content that is often hidden from the public.

“This is the information age and I think this is a chance for Africa to catch up with the rest of the world, and until we explore that and use it to our maximum potential, we may miss another opportunity to catch up with the rest of the world” said Rudolf Okonkwo, presenter and host of the show Dr. Damages.

The Daily Beast has referred to Sahara Reporters as the “Wikileaks” of Africa. Sahara drew international attention for being the first to publish the photo of the suspected terrorist Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, also known as the “underwear bomber,” who attempted to blow up Northwest Airlines Flight 253 on Christmas Day 2009.

“SaharaTV is unique in the U.S and in Africa in that it is directed by ordinary people with concerns about how their democracy can grow,” said Lisa Vives, Executive Director of Global Information Network, Ltd.

Media has a way of making the world smaller, and although Sahara Reporters report from New York, they have a huge number of followers overseas.

“SaharaTV is the TV of the people, for the people, by the people-democratic platform. It’s actually democracy in practice” says commentator Adeola Fayehun who often uses highly individualized Daily Show type humor and sarcasm to offer provocative video essays.

The organization has received threats from both private and public officials because of the often explosive content on Sahara Reporters website (Sahara Reporters.com)

“SaharaTV presents a wide variety, of independent citizen journalist perspectives with personal settlements f from people living in the situations which we are reporting about, declares David Miskis, reporter and social media manager.

In a world of many independent media initiatives Sahara Reporters offers a distinctive model for the voices of the voiceless.

Follow Sahara Reporters on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and YouTube.