The Francophone Media Innovation Award, the result of a partnership between the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), France Médias Monde (FMM), and Reporters Without Borders (RSF), aims to encourage the production of high-quality news and the promotion of the French language. It is open to all media outlets (radio, television, print media, and digital media) in the 88 member states and governments, associates, and observers of La Francophonie. The Prize rewards:
- Editorial innovation;
- Innovation in usage
- Innovation in media business models and organizational methods.
For this 7th edition, the jury selected the following three winners:
The first prize, worth €15,000, was awarded to EkinaMag (www.ekinamag.com), which offers audio and video content. A feminist web magazine based in Togo and a 100% digital media outlet, EkinaMag is committed to fighting sexism and gender-based violence and works to promote women's rights. The publication highlights the successes and initiatives of girls and women, while also emphasizing the challenges and obstacles they face. EkinaMag states that it aims to achieve SDG 5, which contributes to "achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls." The newspaper's website, which has a version adapted to all screens, can be viewed on computers, smartphones, and tablets. Articles can be commented on via the website or Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, etc.
The second prize, worth €10,000, was awarded to the publication Les amis de la terre et de l'environnement Afrique (Friends of the Earth and the Environment Africa) (Democratic Republic of Congo). A media outlet specializing in environmental protection and the fight against climate change in Africa, the publication (www.ateafrique.com) mainly targets young people under the age of 35 through audiograms and social media.
The third prize, worth €5,000, was awarded to the publication Kult (Reunion Island/France). A source of original information on topics related to nature, history, society, culture, sports, and more, Kult (https://m.kult-media.fr/) offers interviews and video reports with an average duration of three minutes. These subtitled videos are composed of filmed images, with content enriched by text, infographics, motion design, and voice-overs. Kult is present on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, Dailymotion, LinkedIn, and more. Finally, Kult offers its audience opportunities for interaction through platforms for exchange and discussion.
The selection committee for this seventh edition was composed of Christophe CHAMPIN, representing France Médias Monde (jury president), Marilyn MAYABHU, representing the NGO Reporters Without Borders, Talía OLVERA MARTINEZ, political scientist, linguist, and media innovation specialist, Raouia KHEDER, winner of the 2021 Francophone Media Innovation Award, and Tidiane DIOH, from the International Organization of La Francophonie.
Source: press release