This is one in a group of cases the Case Consortium @ Columbia developed in conjunction with the Aga Khan University Graduate School of Media and Communications (a Consortium member at the time). The cases, which look at various aspects of journalism practice in East Africa and South Africa, are being distributed under an agreement with Columbia University (and will be available on the AKU website).

AKU-12-0005.0 This case introduces journalism students to the dilemma of raising awareness about social issues without harming the individuals involved--and remaining as objective as possible. In May 2005, Mildred Ngesa, a columnist and features writer for Nairobi’s Daily Nation newspaper, is deeply troubled to learn about an 11-year-old sexual abuse victim also likely infected with HIV. Ngesa wants to draw public attention to the national problem of child rape, but also to protect “Laura” (a pseudonym) from any further trauma. Ngesa also is given a disturbing photograph of the girl’s genitals, badly infected with a sexually transmitted disease.

Ngesa wants to report the story fully. She wants to do something for the girl. Above all, she hopes that her reporting will stimulate a national debate and encourage the passage of pending legislation to protect children. Laura, however, has not admitted to abuse. Moreover, while Ngesa wants to use the photo to shock the public into taking action, her editors are far more reluctant. They must decide how best to present the material they have to promote impact, while still protecting Laura.

Students can discuss how to maximize public benefit from a story while minimizing harm to those involved. Ask them to consider a journalist’s responsibility to a vulnerable source, the advantages of advocacy journalism versus objective reporting, or how to write effective stories with limited information. The case also raises for discussion how to use graphic images in journalism. Finally, it introduces the issue of when, if ever, it’s appropriate for a reporter to intervene in a source’s life.

Use this case in a course/class about international journalism, journalism in Africa, feature writing or editorial management.