Strategies for Internet Technology and Digital Rights Reporting https://zimbabwe.misa.org in nature but it would still serve a purpose in raising awareness about internet and technology generally, whilst themes centred wholly on digital rights can be tackled by media practitioners. Another drawback of having private sector players sponsor content is that it can inhibit media players from being critical so as to preserve good relations. However, in the short term, private sector players can use their financial muscle to make internet, technology and digital rights reporting a lucrative the beat in the region. In addition, private sector players can sponsor journalism/media awards for coverage of internet-related stories which appear in newspapers, radio or TV, blogs or podcasts produced in mainstream or online media, or by peripheral actors. These actions would normalise internet, technology and digital rights reporting as a beat. Raising the profile of internet, technology and digital rights as a beat • Stakeholders in the private sector and non-profit sector can raise the profile of internet, technology and digital rights as a beat. By collaboratively hosting high-profile publicity events, such as conferences, such players can attract elite newsmakers such as captains of industry, experts, government officials and policymakers whose work aligns with internet, technology and digital rights. High profile events generate media coverage because of the participation of hard to access elite sources, the low costs of newsgathering and the opportunity for media to network with and cultivate knowledgeable sources. Foreign non-profit entities that fund media development can raise the profile of internet, technology and digital rights by funding that beat or commissioning media practitioners to report on those themes. Foreign donor- funded journalism is not new to the region as many development assistance programmes and fellowships designed to address the skills deficits and logistical needs of journalists and media in Africa exist , Notable examples include the Mail & Guardian’s largest specialist desk,61Bhekisisa which is more than thrice the size of the political desk. It was initially funded through a grant from the German government (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit - GIZ) and is now bankrolled by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation62. Such donor-funded journalism projects raise the profile of the beat that is benefiting from the expanded resources, hence internet, technology and digital rights reporting can be enhanced by investments from non-profits that can fund it. It is vital for 63 NGOs and donors to gain a stronger understanding of the operational environment, resources and/or work practices of media actors prior to engaging in a media development project. Subsidising internet, technology and digital rights reporting Stakeholders in the non-profit sector can help subsidise the cost of newsgathering for internet, 61The Bhekisisa Centre raises and administers its own funds for essential costs such as staff salaries, reporting trips and equipment and is a separately registered nongovernmental organisation, according to Malan. 62See Malan, M. (2018). Quid Pro Quo: How Donor-Funded Journalism Redefines Job Descriptions. African Journalism Studies, 39(2), 121–129. doi:10.1080/23743670.2018.1468347 63See McCurdy, P. M., & Power, G. (2007). Journalism education as a vehicle for media development in Africa: The AMDI project. Ecquid Novi, 28(1-2), 127-147. 28