At the 3rd African Media Convention held at the Accra International Conference Center, Churchill Otieno, the Chairperson of the African Media Convention (AMC) steering committee and President of The African Editors Forum (Taef), delivered a powerful tribute to African journalists.

He highlighted their indispensable role as brave voices that illuminate the truth, hold those in power accountable, and champion justice and democracy.

In his address, Otieno paid glowing tributes to the 14 African journalists who lost their lives in the line of duty. "We remember their courage and dedication," he said, "Their sacrifice underscores the vital role that journalism plays in our societies."

Otieno acknowledged the formidable challenges that journalists face across the continent, including censorship, harassment, and the rampant spread of misinformation. Despite these obstacles, he emphasised the necessity of creativity and innovation in sustaining a free and vibrant media landscape. "In the face of unprecedented challenges, it is more important than ever that we find new ways to ensure that our media remains free, vibrant, and capable of serving the public good," he stated.

The 3rd African Media Convention gathered media professionals from across the continent to discuss journalism's current state and future in Africa. The event provided a platform for journalists to share their experiences, challenges, and innovative solutions to the problems they face.

Otieno's speech served as both a call to action and a message of solidarity. "African journalists are not just reporters; they are defenders of truth and democracy," he said. "Their work is crucial in shining a light on issues that might otherwise remain in the shadows, and in doing so, they contribute to the betterment of society as a whole."

The convention also featured panels and workshops focused on various aspects of media practice, from combating fake news to leveraging digital tools for investigative journalism. The discussions underscored the importance of resilience and adaptability in the ever-evolving media landscape.

The Africa Media Convention (AMC) is an annual conference that is a collaborative platform to reflect on the fundamental role of journalism on the continent, celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom and deliberate on measures to safeguard media freedoms.