Cramer backs African news channel

Former CNN boss Chris Cramer is taking a lead role in the launch of a new multimedia pan-African news channel. [ALL]

Former CNN boss Chris Cramer is taking a lead role in the launch of a new multimedia pan-African news channel.

A24 is in the early stages of development but it is expected to launch next year.

Cramer has been lined up to become non-executive chairman of A24's editorial advisory board once the channel gets start-up funding.

The brief for the channel is to encourage intra-African dialogue by presenting relevant stories told by African journalists.

Its remit is to cover stories that go beyond disease, poverty and corruption and include pieces on investment, development and trade.

A24 is the brainchild of Salim Amin, who currently runs East African news production facility Camerapix.

Amin and Cramer have worked together for over a decade.

He said: 'Putting Chris' experience with the BBC and more recently CNN to use for the African continent will help make A24 the African broadcast news leader.

'He has always been a strong advocate of African journalism and A24 will turn many of our mutual aspirations into reality.'

Cramer, who currently runs his own global media consultancy, retired from his role as head of international channels at CNN in January after 11 years at the rolling news channel.

He said: 'This is a bold and exciting venture and I'm happy to give it my support. What the continent needs is to have its own voice and A24, as conceived, will deliver that.'