BBC Launches Second Komla Dumor Award

Zacheaus Somorin

BBC World News has launched the second Komla Dumor Award in Lagos at the Social Media Week. The award is aimed at seeking out a future star of African journalism. For the second year running, the award honours presenter Komla Dumor, who passed away two years ago, at the age of 41.

Komla was an exceptional Ghanaian broadcaster who, in his short life, made an extraordinary impact – in Ghana, in Africa and across the world – on Joy FM and at the BBC. Through his tenacious journalism and compelling storytelling, he worked tirelessly to bring a more sophisticated African narrative to the world. Following the success of last year’s award, the winner, Nancy Kacungira of KTN , is spending three months, for the purpose of gaining skills and experience, at the BBC headquarters in New Broadcasting House in London.

Nancy Kacungira said: “It felt really good to be able to tell a story from Africa on such a big platform - my stories were seen and heard on BBC TV, Radio and Online. My own values on reporting about the continent - nuance, balance, and authenticity - were a good match for the BBC’s commitment to getting the story right from wherever they report from in the world. I felt supported as a journalist from the continent, to tell the story I wanted to tell in the way that I felt it should be told.”

Now open for applications, entrants have until 23.59GMT on 23rd March 2016 to submit application. The winner will be awarded the opportunity to gain skills and experience, working with teams across BBC News during a three month placement in London.

Francesca Unsworth, Director, BBC World Service Group and Deputy Director of News and Current Affairs said: “Komla was a much-loved and respected journalist among his colleagues at the BBC.

His storytelling was compelling and his enthusiasm infectious, making him one of our leading journalists - and hugely popular with our global audiences.

The BBC is committed to continuing Komla’s legacy of reporting on this continent by launching his award for the second year. We are searching for a rising star who displays exceptional talent, someone who embodies the spirit of Komla Dumor.”