Fellowships 2009

During their two weeks in the UK they met a range of broadcasting professionals, including producers, editors, regulators and government officials, and were able to learn about the UK's broadcasting scene, as well as exchange ideas and experiences with their counterparts.

Their packed two-week schedule included visits to the BBC, Ofcom, and the Department for International Development. They also toured Sky's world famous newsroom, spoke with commissioning editors at Al Jazeera English and met senior executives at BBC World Service and independent radio stations. They also had roundtable discussions with leading NGOs including Action Aid and the Disasters Emergency Committee.

The Fellows had various sessions at the BBC, some of which took place on a one-to-one basis. They met with the director of editorial policy, heard about cutting edge newsroom technology being used at the BBC, and discussed how media could be used to promote development and human rights at the BBC World Service Trust.

Election coverage and the relationship between good governance and the media was a central theme this year, culminating in a debate hosted by the Commonwealth Broadcasting Association.

The second week featured a visit to Oxford, where they met with the fellows currently based at the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism.

There were some new topics covered in this scheme as well, as all our Fellows work in radio including extended visits at BBC World Service.

Once again, the scheme received very positive feedback from the participating Fellows. Almost all of the sessions were given full or nearly full marks on the Fellows' daily evaluations.

The Fellows who took part in 2009 are listed below. Please click here to view their biographies.

• Sanele Sobantwana (South Africa) - Station Manager, Radio Today
• Bibiana K. Lambart (Zambia) - Head of News, Radio Christian Voice
• Chiyembekezo Kapatamoyo (Malawi) - Assistant Controller of News and Current Affairs, Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC)