This archive report was first published on 8 July 2019.
On July 8, 2019, the New York Times faced intense backlash over a job advertisement that sparked widespread criticism and mockery.
The advert, which described the ideal candidate as someone who had reported from 'the deserts of Sudan and the pirate seas of the Horn of Africa, down through the forests of Congo and the shores of Tanzania', was posted on the paper's LinkedIn account.
However, the advert was not a new creation. According to New York Times international editor, Dean Baquet, the advert was actually a relic from 18 months ago, which had been approved by the paper's editor, Joseph Kahn.
"18 months ago is not ancient history. This advert was as dodgy then as it is now," said Nanjala Nyabola in a Twitter response to Mr. Slackman.
Mr. Slackman later apologized for the advert, stating that the New York Times was "committed to covering Africa, not as if it were some stereotype, but because it matters".
However, the apology did not sit well with everyone. Cultural analyst and literary critic Dr. Joyce Nyairo expressed her skepticism, saying "There we go again...someone with a cheque book and with an organization’s full backing is here asking locals what they think before asking them how much their intellect, experience and networks will cost!...Hire a consultant".
