Bagauda Kaltho Media Lecture

Honouring Courage in Journalism Across Africa

In many African countries today, the cost of telling the truth is rising — and journalists are often the first to pay the price. From violent crackdowns and arbitrary arrests to digital surveillance and enforced disappearances, journalists face mounting risks simply for doing their job. Amid this climate, the Bagauda Kaltho Media Lecture Series—an initiative of the Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF)—emerges as a solemn yet empowering space that centres courage as the lifeblood of ethical journalism.

The Lecture Series is named in honour of James Bagauda Kaltho, a Nigerian investigative journalist who vanished in 1996 during a dark period of military dictatorship. Known for his bold exposés and fierce commitment to justice, Kaltho’s disappearance remains a symbol of the dangers faced by journalists who challenge authority and give voice to the oppressed. His legacy embodies a deeper truth: that journalism in Africa is not just a profession — it is often a personal risk, and at times, a life-threatening sacrifice.

Through this annual event, AMDF seeks to immortalize Kaltho’s legacy and inspire a new generation of journalists who remain steadfast in the face of intimidation. The Lecture Series offers a platform for reflection, dialogue, and learning — convening media professionals, civil society leaders, academics, and advocates to interrogate the realities of courageous journalism across diverse contexts. It is a call to action — to continue reporting, investigating, and holding power to account even when the odds are stacked against us.

Since its formal launch in 2019, the Lecture has grown into one of AMDF’s flagship platforms. Each edition tackles a unique theme, but the soul of the event remains consistent: the unwavering belief that truth-telling matters — and that those who dare to speak it, even under duress, deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated.

About the Lecture Series

The Bagauda Kaltho Media Lecture Series is not just a memorial — it is a vibrant and evolving platform designed to stimulate critical thought around journalism’s role in shaping society. Each year, it brings together journalists, editors, media scholars, civil society actors, and policymakers from across Africa to discuss the ethics, risks, and responsibilities of courageous journalism.

The lecture is structured as a keynote event followed by a panel discussion, where speakers from different countries present insights on a selected theme, followed by an open, interactive dialogue with participants.

Initially launched as a physical event in Kaduna, Nigeria, growing interest and demand led AMDF to transform it into a virtual, continent-wide gathering. This change has enabled broader participation, giving voice to diverse perspectives and experiences from different regions of Africa. The virtual format also ensures inclusivity, allowing journalists from underrepresented or at-risk communities to contribute to the conversation.

Each edition focuses on a theme related to courage in journalism — from covering conflict and corruption, to surviving digital repression, to mental health in the newsroom. The conversation is grounded in real stories, often spotlighting journalists who have navigated threats, intimidation, or censorship while maintaining professional integrity.

Integration of the Courage in Journalism Award

In 2016, AMDF introduced the Courage in Journalism Award to honour individual journalists and, later, media organizations that have demonstrated remarkable bravery in the face of personal and professional risk. These are journalists who continued to report despite threats, arrests, harassment, or violence; who exposed injustice in difficult environments; and who chose truth over safety, time and again.

In 2020, AMDF merged the presentation of this award into the Bagauda Kaltho Media Lecture Series, making it a central and symbolic part of the annual event. This integration reinforces the core message of the lecture: that courageous journalism deserves not only recognition, but collective support, protection, and celebration.

Objectives of the Lecture Series

• To honour and keep alive the memory and values of James Bagauda Kaltho
• To spotlight the central role of courage in ethical journalism across Africa
• To provide a reflective platform for discussing the risks and responsibilities of reporting
• To inspire journalists to persist in their work despite threats and intimidation
• To build a stronger, more connected community of brave media professionals across the continent

Courage in Journalism Award Winners (2016–2024)

How the Courage in Journalism Award Recipients Are Determined

The Courage in Journalism Award is a special recognition bestowed by the Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF) to honor journalists and media organizations that have demonstrated outstanding bravery and resilience in the face of intimidation, threats, or violence while performing their duties.

Unlike many awards that involve public nominations or competitions, this award is not contested for. Instead, the recipients are carefully selected internally by the AMDF Board, based on their knowledge of the media landscape and the courageous acts of journalists across Africa.

The Board reviews incidents, reports, and verified accounts of journalists and media outlets who have shown exceptional commitment to fearless and ethical journalism despite risks and challenges. This internal selection process ensures that the award recognizes true acts of courage without the influence of popularity or campaigning.

The award is presented annually during the Bagauda Kaltho Media Lecture Series, reinforcing the connection between courage in journalism and the legacy of Mr. James Bagauda Kaltho, a journalist who embodied bravery in the profession.