The BAHons Journalism students from Stellenbosch University recently embarked on an exciting media tour in Cape Town, visiting some of the country’s top media houses. The tour provided valuable insights into the world of journalism, helping students understand the evolving media landscape and the opportunities available to them.
The journey began at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), where students met TV and radio personality Leighanne. She shared her experiences as a journalist, offering advice on navigating the industry and exploring various career paths within the SABC.
The students then visited Media24’s News24, where they spoke with Editor-in-Chief Adriaan Basson and Assistant Editor Kate Henry. The discussion focused on newsroom operations and innovation in journalism, providing students with a behind-the-scenes look at how one of South Africa’s leading digital news platforms functions.
At Netwerk24, Head of News Nadia Honiball highlighted the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in journalism. Drawing a comparison to the early days of the internet, she explained that while new technologies can seem daunting at first, they ultimately become essential tools in the industry. She encouraged students to embrace AI as a valuable asset in modern journalism.
A key highlight of the tour was meeting Stellenbosch University alumni now working in the media industry. Among them was Yvonne Beyers, editor of Huisgenoot, who spoke passionately about the importance of journalism in an era of mass information and disinformation. She emphasized the need for credible reporting to bridge the gap between fact and fiction.
The media tour was an eye-opening and enriching experience, deepening the students’ understanding of the journalism profession and inspiring them to pursue their careers with confidence.
