Two Nigerian newspapers have had sudden cutbacks, as media outlets across Africa struggle during the coronavirus crunchAfricaIn Kenya some media houses slashed wages by up to halfCollapsing revenues, rising layoffs: the coronavirus crisis is battering media outlets across Africa that were already struggling for cash and often facing pressure from hostile authorities. "Just as the spread of the virus has caused revenues to dwindle, it has also posed unprecedented logistical challenges to media outlets. SEE ALSO: Coronavirus crisis piles pressure on African mediaLockdowns have hampered reporting, social distancing has forced journalists to work remotely with poor internet or electricity supplies, and protective equipment has added new costs. SEE ALSO: Virus crisis piles pressure on African mediaBut media professionals say journalists are already trying to do the job of combatting "fake news" -- and such laws could be used to muzzle them. She complained that journalists could not investigate key issues as sources feared "going to prison for spreading false information".

Source: Standard Digital June 07, 2020 06:00 UTC