This archive report was first published on 8 July 2019.
On July 8, 2019, the New York Times faced intense backlash over a job advert for an Africa correspondent that used outdated and stereotypical descriptions of the continent.
The advert, which was still active on the paper's LinkedIn account, described the ideal candidate as someone who could report 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.'
The advert was widely criticized and mocked on social media, with a video of three women reading out the text in a satirical tone going viral.
Michael Slackman, the New York Times' international editor, took to Twitter to apologize for the advert, stating that it was the result of taking a shortcut and approving an old job description without reviewing it.
Slackman emphasized that the New York Times is committed to covering Africa in a nuanced and respectful manner, saying, 'We are committed to covering Africa, not as if it were some stereotype, but because it matters.'
However, not everyone was satisfied with Slackman's apology, with some critics questioning why the advert was allowed to go through 18 months ago without any query.
Kenyan commentator Nanjala Nyabola responded to Slackman's apology, saying, '18 months ago is not ancient history. This advert was as dodgy then as it is now.'
