MUMBAI: BBC World Service has announced the winners of The Kari Blackburn Bursary. Three young journalists from the BBC’s partner radio stations in Kenya and Uganda will spend two months at the corporation. They will receive training and work alongside BBC teams in London and UK regions.
Michelle Katami Guda (Radio Jambo, Kenya), Matthew McMott (Dembe FM, Uganda) and Doreen Nambui (KU FM, Kenya) have been named as the winners of the bursary programme commemorating the late BBC journalist, Kari Blackburn, whose journalistic career was dedicated to the coverage of Africa and who nurtured many talents from across the continent.
The Kari Blackburn Bursary is supported by BBC World Service and the BBC World Service Trust It is aimed at young journalists who are currently working as broadcast journalists for the BBC’s partner stations in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Kari worked hard to help establish partnership relations with local FM broadcasters in these countries where BBC World Service now partners three major FM radio networks.
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Kari Blackburn’s widower, Tom Boto, has endorsed the initiative: “I am sure Kari would be overjoyed, with complete approval of your visionary investment. On behalf of Kari Blackburn, I wish young Michelle, Doreen and Mathew every success and fulfilment in their broadcasting careers. I am sure they will make the most of the opportunity. Very good luck to them.”
The Kari Blackburn Bursary coordinator, BBC World Service’s Training Manager for Africa and Middle East, Jackie Chambers, says: “It is very fitting that three enthusiastic and ambitious African journalists should be supported by a BBC bursary in Kari’s name. The BBC was made all the better for Kari’s being here, and we will make sure the time Michelle, Matthew and Doreen spend alongside our journalists is a rewarding experience for all involved.”
The bursary programme begins with an introductory BBC training course, followed by placements tailored to the journalists’ own interests. They will have opportunities to spend time with various programme departments and become actively involved in programme-making. Assigned mentors will guide them through their traineeship with the BBC and offer them career guidance.
