Chris Infotainment

The Collision Between Journalism and Artificial Intelligence The collision between the newspaper industry and Artificial Intelligence companies is no longer a new topic; it has evolved into a global legal and economic reckoning. Legal cases, which primarily focus on copyright infringement and fair use, are currently ongoing in many countries and are expected to shape the future of both industries. Just recently, a Spanish court ordered Meta, the Facebook owner, to pay 479 million euros ($552 million) to Spanish digital media outlets for unfair competition practices and infringing European Union data protection regulations. It was a profoundly cheering moment for the print media. But it wasn't the first of its kind and it won't be the last. The ruling was the latest in a series of fines Meta had faced in Europe. Meta equally reached a settlement with the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) for a $32.8 million fine related to data privacy violations, agreeing to an out-o...

Appointment of a New Leader for the Newspaper Proprietors' Association of Nigeria The Newspaper Proprietors' Association of Nigeria (NPAN) has taken a significant step in its leadership journey by appointing Mr. Segun Adediran as its new General Manager/Chief Executive Officer (GM/CEO). With over three decades of experience in the field, Adediran is expected to bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the association. In a statement issued by NPAN President, Lady Maiden AlexIbru, the association highlighted that Mr. Adediran is not only a journalist but also an author and editorialist. His appointment is seen as a reflection of NPAN's commitment to strengthening leadership within the media industry and advancing the interests of newspaper proprietors across the country. A Distinguished Career in Journalism Mr. Adediran's career in journalism has been marked by notable achievements. He began his professional journey with the Nigerian Economist Magazine and Policy...

Investigation into the Death of Channel 8 News Reporter Police are currently investigating the death of Natthawut "Nass" Ponglangka, a news reporter for Channel 8, after an autopsy revealed lethal levels of cyanide in his body. This discovery has overturned the initial assumption that he died from sudden unexplained nocturnal death syndrome (SUNDS), known as lai tai in Thai. Nass, who was 35 years old, was found dead at his home in the Bang Kruai district of Nonthaburi on November 30. At first, his death was attributed to SUNDS, a condition often associated with unexpected deaths during sleep, typically linked to heart-related issues. Many people expressed their condolences, believing that exhaustion and overwork might have contributed to his passing. However, on Friday, the Central Institute of Forensic Science confirmed the presence of high levels of cyanide in both Nass’s bloodstream and stomach. The toxin is known to disrupt cellular respiration, leading to rapid resp...

South Africa Hosts World Conference of Science Journalists 2025 TSHWANE, Dec. 2 – South Africa’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, emphasized the crucial role of science journalism in fostering public trust in scientific endeavors and ensuring that scientific knowledge contributes to a fair and compassionate society. During the opening of the World Conference of Science Journalists (WCSJ) 2025 on Tuesday, Nzimande expressed pride in hosting the event for the first time on the African continent. He highlighted that the conference serves as a platform to showcase South Africa’s scientific and cultural achievements, including field trips to notable sites like the Square Kilometre Array. The conference theme, “Science journalism and social justice: journalism that builds understanding and resilience,” reflects the need to leverage science to address global challenges such as inequality, conflict, pandemics, and climate change. Nzimande noted that this...

The World Conference of Science Journalists (WCSJ) 2025 Begins in Tshwane TSHWANE, South Africa — The World Conference of Science Journalists (WCSJ) 2025 kicked off on Monday in Tshwane, marking the first time this global event is being held on African soil. The conference brings together science communicators from around the world to discuss the critical role of science journalism in shaping public understanding and fostering social justice. The theme of this year’s meeting is “Science journalism and social justice: journalism that builds understanding and resilience.” This focus highlights the importance of science communication in addressing societal challenges and promoting equitable development. South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) emphasized that hosting the event reflects the country’s dedication to strengthening science diplomacy and amplifying the visibility of African innovation. “Science holds immense promise for humanity and for building...

Joo Gyeok Announces Retirement from Broadcasting Joo Gyeok, whose real name is Lee Jun-hee, has officially announced his retirement from broadcasting after being sentenced to prison for extorting tens of millions of Korean won by threatening a popular eating show YouTuber named Tzuyang, whose real name is Park Jeong-won. This decision comes after a series of legal and public repercussions that have significantly impacted his career. On the 17th, an apology statement from Joo Gyeok was posted on his YouTube channel ‘Joo Gyeok’ by his legal representative. In this statement, he expressed deep regret for the harm caused by his actions. He stated, “I apologize to everyone who was hurt by the videos I uploaded,” adding, “Since my arrest on charges of blackmail and subsequent public backlash, even cases concluded years ago have been re-investigated, leading to repeated investigations of my acquaintances by prosecutors and police.” Joo Gyeok continued, “Many people have suffered due to my...

Enhancing Public Understanding Through Media Collaboration The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) has made a commitment to strengthen its collaboration with the media in Kenya, aiming to improve the accuracy and responsibility of reporting on biotechnology and biosafety. This pledge was highlighted during the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) Kenya Media Awards 2025, which took place in Nairobi, the capital city. Nehemiah Ngetich, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of NBA, emphasized the critical role that journalists play in shaping public perception of biotechnology innovations. These include genetically modified organisms (GMOs), genome editing, and biosafety regulations. According to Ngetich, accurate and clear reporting is essential for informing citizens and decision-makers about scientific developments. “Facts are not optional; they are the safety rails that guide policy, regulation, and innovation,” said Ngetich. “When reporters bring accuracy, clarity, and con...

The funeral of the late Yang Zhenning, who passed away at the age of 103, was held at the Yetan (Ceremonial Hall) of the Revolutionary Cemetery on Babaoshan (Eight Treasure Mountain) in Beijing on the morning of the 24th. Citizens arrived early, holding white chrysanthemums and photos of Yang Zhenning, forming a long line that extended to the parking lot. This spontaneous gathering highlighted the deep respect and admiration for the first Chinese Nobel laureate in physics. Mo Yan, the first Chinese Nobel laureate in literature, expressed his grief in a poem titled "In Mourning for Teacher Yang Zhenning," writing, “He was a guest who descended like an immortal, leaving fragrance for a hundred generations as he departed.” Babaoshan is a significant location where Chinese leaders and senior national figures are laid to rest. It is uncommon for this site to allow public condolences, which indicates the high regard in which Yang Zhenning was held. Some analysts suggest that the...

A Legacy of Journalism and Leadership When the story of journalism growth in Ghana is told, one individual who cannot be omitted from the narrative is Kwasi Afriyie Badu. Known to his peers as KAB, he has stood out among those who have, through dedication and vision, helped shape the journalism profession in Ghana for what it is today. Kwasi Afriyie Badu's contributions to the growth of journalism in Ghana through service to the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) have been remarkable. His journey began in the early 1990s and continued through the 2000s and beyond, leaving an indelible mark on the GJA’s efforts to defend press freedom and promote media professionalism and accountability. Early Encounters and Professional Beginnings My first encounter with him was over three decades ago when I was employed as a casual worker at the old Press Centre, the GJA secretariat that was housed in rented premises at Kokomlemle, Accra. This was long before the association relocated in 200...

Recognition of Excellence in Science Communication Mr. Albert Oppong-Ansah, an Editor with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), has been honored as a recipient of the 2025 Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications. This prestigious international award, presented in collaboration with the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, celebrates individuals and teams who excel in making science accessible, engaging, and impactful for broad audiences. Mr. Oppong-Ansah, who leads the Environment, Science, Energy, and Agriculture Desk at the GNA, was recognized for his exceptional storytelling that connects scientific research, environmental policy, and human experiences. His work has placed him among a distinguished group of global science communicators dedicated to bridging the gap between science and society. Notable Contributions to Science Communication Among his most notable recent works is the investigative feature titled “Air pollution in s...

A Story of Resilience and Triumph At just 17 years old, Edu Muyyassir, a freshman at Pan-Atlantic University in Lagos State, has transformed a painful rejection into a powerful story of resilience and triumph. His journey began with a setback that could have easily derailed his ambitions, but instead, it became the foundation for his first book, The Comeback Code , a motivational guide that draws from his personal experiences to inspire others to rise above life’s challenges. Edu is an indigene of Epe Local Government Area in Lagos State and one of six children. He recently graduated from Loyola Jesuit College in Abuja. While he described himself as an average student, he discovered his true passions in writing, coding, and playing chess. “I have a passion for writing, playing chess, and coding for software development. I can also design websites,” he said. His journey into writing was sparked by one of the most painful moments of his life. After securing a flight ticket to study in...

Escalation of Violence in Sudan’s South Kordofan Region On Saturday, October 11, 2025, the city of Dilling in South Kordofan, Sudan, experienced a violent escalation as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) shelled the eastern al-Safa neighborhood. According to eyewitnesses and reports from a local rights group, this attack was followed by a drone strike attributed to the RSF and its ally, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), which resulted in civilian casualties in a nearby area. The Sudan Doctors’ Network reported that the SPLM-N, an allied force with the RSF, carried out shelling in Dilling, injuring 11 people, three of whom were critically injured. The Nuba Mountains Platform, a local advocacy group, also confirmed that a joint drone strike by the RSF and SPLM-N on the Dalami area led to civilian deaths and injuries. Blockade and Humanitarian Crisis The RSF and SPLM-N have imposed a strict blockade on Dilling and the neighboring city of Kadugli. This has severely res...

A Heartwarming Return to Thornhill Community Academy An Educating Yorkshire student made a touching return to the school that helped him overcome his stammer 12 years ago, inspiring current students with his story. In the latest episode of the Channel 4 series, Musharaf Asghar, now 29, shared his journey with the Year 11 students at Thornhill Community Academy. The clip was recently broadcast on BBC News, highlighting the impact of the teacher who helped Musharaf, Matt Burton. Mr. Burton, who is now the headteacher of the school in Dewsbury, explained why he decided to allow cameras back for a second series of Educating Yorkshire. The Importance of Teaching as a Profession Mr. Burton emphasized the need to showcase teaching as a desirable profession for university graduates. He acknowledged the challenging recruitment landscape and stressed the importance of demonstrating that working in schools is an absolute privilege. He said: "Young people are so resilient, kind, and de...

Recognition of Excellence: Honoring Women Who Shape Ghana In a ceremony held in Accra, Mrs. Hannah Awadzi, Online Editor at the Ghana News Agency, was honored as the Most Outstanding Female Journalist in Ghana (2025) at the prestigious Ghana Women Awards. This annual event celebrates women who have made significant contributions to their fields and to the development of the nation. The Ghana Women Awards are designed to recognize and honor the achievements of women across various sectors. The awards aim to highlight the impact of women who have demonstrated excellence and made meaningful contributions to society. This year’s ceremony was no exception, with Mrs. Awadzi among the distinguished recipients. Mrs. Awadzi's recognition is a testament to her dedication to advocacy for persons with disabilities, particularly children, alongside her work as a journalist. She has carved a unique space in journalism by focusing on human-centered stories that give voice to marginalized commu...

Media Restrictions and Dispersal of Protest in Tissa In the northern town of Tissa, a recent protest organized by the “Committee for Dignity” faced significant challenges from local authorities. On Saturday, journalists were prevented from covering the event, with media representatives having their equipment seized before the demonstration was ultimately dispersed. The protest was aimed at calling for improved social services, particularly in the healthcare sector. Local officials confiscated the phone and microphone of a photographer, along with devices from other reporters. These items were later returned after security forces had cleared the area. The incident highlights the growing tensions between the media and local authorities, who have been accused of restricting press freedom during public demonstrations. The protest had been banned in advance by the town’s pasha, who claimed that the organizers failed to meet the legal requirements for public gatherings. This decision led ...

The Importance of Integrating Printing Technology into Nigerian Universities Printing technology plays a crucial role in the development of communication, education, and the economy. However, Nigeria’s printing industry faces significant challenges due to the lack of dedicated university-level programmes in this field. This absence has led to a skills gap that hinders innovation, limits research capabilities, and restricts the growth of the media sector. To address these issues, it is essential to institutionalise printing technology as a formal course of study in both federal and state universities. A Historical Perspective on Printing in Nigeria The history of printing in Nigeria dates back to the 19th century, when Christian missionaries introduced the first printing presses. Reverend Hope Masterton Waddell established the first press in Calabar in 1846, producing religious and educational texts. Later, Rev. Henry Townsend set up a press in Abeokuta, which published Iwe Irohin , ...

A Veteran Anchor Shares His Prostate Cancer Journey on Air Rob Williams, a veteran anchor at Fox News and host of Fox 19 NOW, recently made a powerful public announcement during an interview on Morning Xtra. The 55-year-old journalist revealed that he is currently battling prostate cancer. This disclosure was made as part of the ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the disease, especially during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Williams shared his diagnosis live on air, stating, “This is my announcement, I have prostate cancer.” He explained that while he wasn’t sure whether he wanted to share the news, he felt it was important to encourage open conversations between men about their health. “I didn’t know if I was gonna share it,” he said. “I’ve hosted this run before, but when Jim asked me to host it this year, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer.” He emphasized the need for more dialogue among men, saying, “I feel like I want to talk about my prostate cancer diagnosis because...

A Journey Through Kenyan English and the Evolution of Language A decade and a half ago, I was part of an email group where friends and I took great pleasure in highlighting common errors in spoken and written English among Kenyans. At the time, I worked as a newspaper sub-editor, which gave me the perfect opportunity to spot these mistakes. Sub-editors play a crucial role in refining news stories by ensuring clarity, grammar, and adherence to the publication's style. This made me an ideal participant in our little linguistic game. Back then, we were in the golden age of long email exchanges, before WhatsApp arrived in 2009 and changed the way people communicated. Whenever we came across a glaring mistake, we would note it down and share it with the group. It was like a form of linguistic trophy hunting. One memorable example was an email from a corporate employee to his boss that read: “I have always given it my best foot.” What he meant was “I always put my best foot forward,” ...

Addressing Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence Through Training More than 25 journalists and social media influencers recently completed a three-day training in Kigali focused on technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV). This issue is becoming increasingly relevant as internet usage continues to rise across the country. The workshop, organized by the Health Development Initiative (HDI), aimed to enhance participants’ ability to identify, prevent, and report on TFGBV using ethical and gender-sensitive communication methods. Annonciata Mukayitete, Senior Programme Officer for Gender Equality and Social Inclusion at HDI, highlighted that the training was created to address a problem that has often been overlooked in Rwanda. She explained that while TFGBV may seem like a new concept, it is part of the broader issue of gender-based violence, but one that is exacerbated by technology. “Online violence takes various forms. It’s a global issue, and Rwanda is not immune t...

A Legacy of Resistance and Inspiration In a quiet room in São Paulo, Brazil, 30 students sat in silence as they watched images of B-52 bombers destroying villages and children suffering from napalm burns. These were not just any images; they were powerful visual testimonies of the Vietnam War, captured and shared by the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam to expose the brutal realities of U.S. military actions. This moment was part of a larger movement led by journalist Pedro de Oliveira, who dedicated over five decades to highlighting the struggles of Vietnam and its people. Pedro, now 77, recalls the secret film screenings he conducted more than 50 years ago. He describes the scenes as “horrifying,” emphasizing that the group could not remain silent in the face of such injustice. Using small cinemas across Brazil, he and his friends aimed to educate students about the atrocities committed during the war and challenge the narrative surrounding U.S. involvement. A Life of Act...