The Wits Centre for Journalism (WCJ), formerly Wits Journalism, is one of the leading journalism and media training institutions in Africa, with a history spanning more than two decades. Situated within the School of Literature, Language and Media at Wits University in Johannesburg, the WCJ has become a leading provider of quality post-graduate teaching, thought leadership and practical engagement within the changing world of journalism, research and training.
Teaching and Research
The Wits Centre for Journalism offers several study programmes for aspirant and working journalists, communicators and other media practitioners. Located at the heart of the country’s media landscape in the Johannesburg city centre, it is well placed to work closely with the industry and independent media professionals to ensure a rich and exciting blend of teaching, training, research and public engagement. The Centre is steeped in a tradition of independent, critical, quality journalism.
In a media landscape that is under constant reinvention, the Wits Centre for Journalism recognises the importance of independent and collaborative research in staying ahead of the curve. Working journalists in the honours mid-career, master’s and PhD programmes produce research relating to pressing issues in journalism, media and communications.
Our Professional Projects
The academic programme of the WCJ is complemented by professional journalism projects and research supported by our funders and led by industry specialists. Over the years, we have successfully undertaken and completed projects supported by Unesco, the South African Reserve Bank, CHARM Africa, the GIZ, Kas Media Africa, SIDA, Deloitte Africa and many others.
The State of the Newsroom research published annually is one of the standard outputs of the WCJ as part of its contribution to empirical research on newsrooms in Africa. Contact the WCJ today to find out how we can help with your media project.
Our Partners
Through partnerships with other institutions around the world, the WCJ proudly contributes to significant developments in the media industry and civic spaces, as well as produces detailed, globally relevant research.
The WCJ is one of seven consortium partners in the CHARM Africa network, collaborating to strengthen the effectiveness and build the resilience of journalists, media practitioners, human rights defenders, and civil society activists and their organisations, in order to advance more democratic and free societies.
The WCJ welcomes discussions about future partnerships and looks forward to expanding its collaborations across the continent.
Annual Reports