Beyond a Simple "Yes"
In journalism, consent cannot be reduced to a simple one-time "yes" given before an interview. It is an ongoing process of explanation, listening, risk evaluation and protection that continues until the content is broadcast. At Fondation Hirondelle, this requirement is set out in our ethical and professional code, which stipulates that journalists must obtain the informed consent of their sources. This goes beyond a simple agreement in principle: each person must fully understand the context of the interview, how their statements will be used, the intended distribution channels, and any potential risks associated with speaking publicly.
© Ala Zemzmi.2025.Fondation Hirondelle.
A Friga FM radio journalist conducts an interview about radio listening habits in Kef, Tunisia.
Why a Voice Is Enough
Fondation Hirondelle is a Swiss non-profit organisation that has supported local media and journalists in fragile contexts for more than 30 years. Active in 15 countries across three continents in 2026, it trains journalists, supports partner media organisations, and also develops its own media. Much of this work is based on radio and the production of audio content. While a microphone may seem less intrusive than a camera, a voice alone can reveal someone's identity, political views, or location. Beyond radio broadcasts, audio content may be translated, republished by partner media outlets, shared on social media, and remain accessible online for years. For Fondation Hirondelle teams, the first responsibility is therefore to ensure that people fully understand what they are taking part in.
© Gwenn Dubourthoumieu.2023.Fondation Hirondelle.
Mathilde Yawanga, 33, a Radio Ndeke Luka listener in Obo, in the south-east of the Central African Republic.
Explaining Before Recording
For Khouloud Ben Salah, a journalist at Sicca FM in Le Kef, Tunisia, and a beneficiary of the PACT project, the first step is to create an environment in which the interviewee can speak freely and without pressure. "Before the interview, I explain the topic, the media outlet concerned and the planned broadcast date," she says. The same approach is followed at Studio Hirondelle DRC, where journalists explain the topic, the media outlet and the different distribution channels before starting the recording. "You have to explain why we need the person's contribution, how the content will be distributed and through which media," says Christian Mulumba, Editor-in-Chief of Studio Hirondelle DRC.
© Ala Zemzmi.2025.Fondation Hirondelle.
Two Friga FM radio journalists conduct an interview about radio listening and the relationship between the station and its audience.
For him, clear explanation is more important than applying a uniform procedure such as written consent. In some contexts, a form may even create mistrust. "You bring a document and ask someone to sign it; they will look at you twice and start having doubts," he explains. "That is why it is essential to take an educational approach and make time to explain who we are and why we are speaking to them."
d make time to explain who we are and why we are speaking to them."
© Gwenn Dubourthoumieu.2025.Fondation Hirondelle. Kinshasa, DRC. Journalist Bénédicte Mukendi records the programme “La rumeur de la semaine” in the Studio Hirondelle DRC studios.
Language, Dignity and Voluntary Participation
In Burkina Faso, Studio Yafa follows the same principle. Before a public programme or a report, the team introduces itself and explains its mission, how any audio and images will be used, and where the content will be broadcast. "We make a point of reminding people that their participation is voluntary," says Adam's Ouedraogo, Editor-in-Chief of Studio Yafa. "It is important for people to understand all the implications of speaking publicly before giving their approval."
Studio Yafa therefore considers the languages spoken in the reporting area when putting together its team. "We make sure that someone on the team speaks the local language very well," Adam's Ouedraogo explains.
Language also matters in how people are represented. In Mooré, a common term used to describe displaced people literally means "those who fled." Studio Yafa prefers to use a word meaning "those who came." "This way, we do not focus on the place they left; instead, we emphasise the place where they arrived and were welcomed," says Adam's Ouedraogo. He adds: "The most important thing is to preserve people's dignity."
© Philippe Zoundi.2025.Fondation Hirondelle. Faïshal Ouédraogo and Aïcha Zango, two journalists at Studio Yafa, collaborate during a studio recording session.
No Payment, No Obligation
In humanitarian contexts, journalists may be mistaken for humanitarian workers. Some people believe that taking part in an interview will entitle them to money or assistance. Studio Yafa therefore clarifies the situation from the outset. Paying contributors could influence their decision to participate, create expectations of aid or encourage them to shape their testimony around what they think the journalist wants to hear. Not offering payment helps preserve the voluntary nature of the interview and protects the journalist's independence. "We do not give people money, and no one is under any obligation to speak," Adam's Ouedraogo explains. Everyone is free to decline an interview, and this is made clear. "But people also understand that an interview can help raise awareness of their needs or share information that is useful to everyone."
Protecting Sources After Consent
Clearly stating that there will be no compensation is not enough. Our journalists are also committed to protecting their sources, even after consent has been obtained. In a conflict zone or a context of intense political tension, someone may agree to speak without fully understanding the possible consequences of the broadcast.
Christian Mulumba explains that some people insist on giving their testimony despite the danger. "They say: 'My message has to be heard.' But we take responsibility at our level: we use a pseudonym and alter their voice."
For example, in a radio magazine programme about the work of journalists in the M23-occupied city of Goma, the Studio Hirondelle DRC team anonymised the testimonies, altered the voices and removed the names of the media organisations employing the journalists. "We could not name the media outlet because the journalists concerned would have been identified immediately," Christian Mulumba explains.
Studio Yafa takes the same precautions. "For reports about people who have returned to their home communities, we avoid naming the village," says Adam's Ouedraogo. "Publicly announcing their return could expose residents to reprisals."
A Daily Practice
Informed consent is therefore neither a formula recited before pressing "record" nor a document intended solely to protect the media organisation. It is a daily practice: explaining, listening, checking understanding, allowing people to refuse and anticipating risks. This may involve translating conversations, altering a voice, removing a name or postponing a broadcast.
It also means building a relationship of trust that continues after the interview. At Studio Hirondelle DRC, journalists keep the contact details of the people they interview and, whenever possible, send them a link to or a recording of the report. "When they listen to the editing, the writing and the text accompanying the audio, they are generally satisfied with how the topic has been handled and are more willing to give testimony again in the future," Christian Mulumba observes.
This work often remains invisible to the public. Yet it is through this care for people - before, during and after publication - that respect becomes a genuine journalistic practice, fully aligned with the profession's ethical standards.
Credits
Photography by Gwenn Dubourthoumieu, Ala Zemzmi, Philippe Zoundi / Fondation Hirondelle