THE FUMA TIMES is celebrating its 5th anniversary. We started in 2019. On the occasion of that anniversary, we’d like to take you backstage, and demonstrate the many steps needed in newspaper production - from story ideas to printing, and finally to distribution.

Any good story starts with a smart idea. And any good newspaper with a call for topics. Chantal Ben, our social media wizard, and editor-in-chief Andrea Tapper (photos clockwise from top) seem to agree on what’s hot and what not. Journalists work with their feet, the legendary founder of Reuters news agency once said. So it’s always important to research and investigate on site. To leave the office and conduct first-hand interviews. 

When all is written and edited, exciting photos shot by tireless photographer Keegan Checks, all pages awesomely lay-outed by art director Sidney Tapper, the digital proofs go to Mwananchi printers in Dar es Salaam. From there on everything is fast: 20 minutes to print 25,000 copies! Publisher Tobias Dietzold (photo below), PR genius Joel Lyaaru and photographer Keegan review content, while stacks of newspapers await shipment -  to finally land on newspaper stands for our readers.