Wits launches new Centre for Journalism
- Wits University
The Wits Centre for Journalism will engage with the rapidly changing world of African journalism.
The University Research and Innovation Committee has approved the establishment of the Wits Centre for Journalism, which represents a University initiative to engage with the rapidly changing world of African journalism through high-level scholarship and direct professional and public engagement.
Since Wits launched a journalism programme around two decades ago, it has built up a reputation as a leading provider of quality post-graduate teaching, thought leadership and practical engagement. Besides teaching and research, its activities range from hosting major international conferences to direct support of investigative journalism, community media, media innovators and others.
The new centre will continue these activities, expand its focus on the African continent and on digital media while growing its research output. A director is currently being sought, and a launch event is being planned.
A centre (or Centre of Excellence) is distinct from other research entities at a university, such as programmes, units, groups, or institutes. A centre is a research group that has attracted sustained levels of external funding. This funding enables the centre to attain a reasonable state of stability over an extended perio of time. Centres usually have one major external sponosor and are led by a centre director.