PRESS RELEASE/ COMMUNIQUE DE PRESSE

For immediate release - 8 April 2008

French Translation of African Regulators Training Manual is Published

ARTICLE 19 has published the long-awaited French version of its training manual, “Broadcasting Pluralism and Diversity: Training Manual for African Regulators,” with the Preface written by Professor Francis Nyamnjoh, Head of Publications and Dissemination at CODESRIA.

Professor Nyamnjoh notes that “in matters of legislation and development of public institutions” African countries have operated based on hand-me-downs “via the colonial administration.” The Broadcasting Pluralism and Diversity: Training Manual for African Regulators” aims at media policy reform in Africa by improving the capacity and skills of regulatory, agencies and staff. The training methodology and content outlined in the Manual were developed by a 10-member Network of African Academics for Media Policy and Regulation, led by Professor Tawana Kupe at Wittswaterand (Wits) University and including Professors Jamal Eddine Naji of the Univerisity of Rabat, Morocco, Prof. Mamadou Kamara of the University of St. Louis, Senegal and Professor Francis Nyamnjoh.

“Our partners in the Francophone zone of Africa have been asking for the French version ever since the English text was first published in 2006,” says Agnes Callamard, the Executive Director of ARTICLE19: Global Campaign for Free Expression. “We’re delighted that we can meet this demand for the French version of the Training Manual. We expect to publish the Portuguese translation as soon as possible,” added Callamard.

NOTES TO EDITORS:
• A copy of the French Broadcasting Manual is available at: http://www.article19.org/pdfs/tools/broadcasting-manual-french.pdf 
• For more information: please contact Cece Fadope through the Africa Programme, cece@article19.org,  +44 207278 9292
• ARTICLE 19 is an independent human rights organisation that works around the world to protect and promote the right to freedom of expression. It takes its name from Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which guarantees free speech.