Executive Programme in Media Leadership

Independent journalism is essential for democracy, accountability, and informed citizenship. Yet media organisations across Africa face an existential crisis: declining advertising revenues, platform and AI disruption, eroding public trust, and the challenge of digital transformation.

The Gordon Institute of Business Science at the University of Pretoria is offering an Executive Programme in Media Leadership, which is a four-month, hybrid, part-time programme created to address this crisis by investing in the people who lead these organisations. It equips senior media professionals with the strategic insights and leadership skills required to drive sustainable transformation. The Programme will run from 21 Jul 2026 to 30 Oct 2026.

Thematics

• Enhancing sustainability and leadership expertise.
• Gaining key competencies to drive transformation and sustain the news & media industry.
• Developing essential management skills to navigate disruption and lead change.
• Fostering personal growth and diverse perspectives
• Engaging in experiences that challenge thinking, build adaptability, and expand perspectives.
• Developing valuable social capital
• Cultivating a strong network to foster collaboration and leadership.

Eligibility 

The programme is designed for senior media professionals with leadership responsibility, involved in strategic decision-making. These include:

• Media executives and senior managers
• Newsroom leaders and content strategists
• Digital, technology, and product heads
• Policy, financial, and operational decision-makers
• Communications professionals in media-adjacent roles

How to apply 

Interested applicants can use this page to apply. The application deadline is June 15, 2026. 

For more information, please visit this page.