REPORT: Digital Media & Technology - AI & Podcasting in Africa Workshop, 27-28 March 2025

The Africa-China Reporting Project, at the Wits Centre for Journalism, hosted a two-day workshop on Digital Media & Technology - AI & Podcasting in Africa, 27-28 March 2025.

Digital media is content that is created using technology, to be transmitted over the internet or computer networks. It can include audio, video, podcasts, websites, social media, and mobile apps. The evolution of technology, and the digital age, has seen significant impact in the global media landscape, particularly within the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and Podcasting, with the global south gradually taking advantage of the advancements, despite some limitations.

AI continues to grow effectively in automating media processes of content creation, production and distribution. AI tools can develop podcast content generation, transcription, editing, and targeting wider audiences, enhancing efficiency and impact. While there are arguments for the effective support AI provides in enhancing workflows, content creation and democratizing podcast creation, particularly for small and local creators, some critics find this evolution as a threat to authenticity, sustainability and fair competition in a proliferated audience market.

The Wits Centre for Journalism’s Africa-China Reporting Project held the 2-day Digital Media & Technology in Africa - AI and Podcasting Workshop, to equip independent media practitioners in South Africa with knowledge and practical skills about AI integration in news production along with podcasting a means of storytelling.

Workshop Programme

Workshop Trainers:

1. 7 Tips to Level Up Your Podcast, Vuyo Lutseke, Executive Director, and Naomi Grewan, Associate Producer, Radio Workshop.
2. Introduction to AI technology in Africa, Chido Dzinotyiwei, CEO & Co-founder, Vambo AI.
3. The Digital Tide Must Lift All, Christopher Mcinga, Project Leader, SANEF Digitisation Drive, Co-founder, Med8 Media.
4. Podcasting tools for local media, Charles Leonard, Podcast Editor, Casual Workers Advice Office
5. AI tools in podcast production, Paul McNally, AI Advisor, International Media Support (IMS).

Workshop outcomes and objectives:

1. Understanding of digital technology within the context of Africa – Learning about the digital age and advancements to AI tools in the media and particularly in podcasting.
2. Explore AI tools – Learn about various AI tools and platforms which can enhance production and ways in which AI tools can enhance impact and effective content development.
3. Learn about the ethical considerations to AI tools and technologies, and some limitations including AI language and cultural biases.
4. Expand writing and podcasting tools and skills – Learn about essential skills to writing, scripting, researching and recording podcast content, with and without the use of AI tools.
5. Explore future of digital technology – Learn how digital technology can be used to optimize media impact.

Workshop target participants:

1. Independent and community media practitioners in South Africa

Workshop Resources:

1. 7 Tips and Tools to Podcasting, Vuyo Lutseke, and Naomi Grewan, Radio Workshop
2. Introduction to AI Technology in Africa, Chido Dzinotyiwei, CEO & Co-founder, Vambo AI
3. The Digital Tide Must Lift All 1, and 2, Christopher Mcinga, Co-founder, Med8 Media
4. Introduction to Podcasting Equipment 1, and 2, and 3, Kristen Bernstein, VOW FM Technician
5. Code of Ethics and Conduct for South African Print and Online Media
6. The News Media Sector