This archive report was first published on 10 July 2019.
On July 10, 2019, New York Times international editor Michael Slackman faced backlash for a job advert that sparked outrage among Kenyans and Africans.
The advert, which was published last week, sought a Nairobi Bureau Chief to cover 'conflict' and 'unexpected stories of hope' in the region.
Slackman later explained that he had approved the text of a job description from 18 months ago, taking a shortcut rather than writing a new one.
"That job posting was my doing and I want to explain what happened," he tweeted. "We are currently looking for three correspondents to cover Africa and I saw this as an opportunity to find the best there is."
He acknowledged that the advert had been criticized for focusing on the dark side of the continent and ignoring positive stories.
Slackman affirmed that the New York Times was committed to covering Africa, not as a stereotype, but because it matters.
