New Book Released: When South Africa Called, We Answered By Danny Schechter, the News Dissector

In this book by award winning journalist Danny Schechter, he reveals the crucial role media played in anti-apartheid achieving worldwide recognition, which enabled outsiders to support the movement. This fascinating history of apartheid is released, just as South Africa celebrated the 20th anniversary of the downfall of apartheid.

The battle and victory against apartheid is often credited to the leaders and activists of that time. However, according to author Danny Schechter, it is the combination of media and activism that ultimately led to the downfall of apartheid in South Africa. Danny Schechter, award-winning journalist and media veteran, reveals in his newly released book, When South Africa Called, We Answered: How the Media and International Solidarity Helped Topple Apartheid (Cosimo Books, February 2015) the efforts and influence of the media in ending apartheid.

When South Africa Called, We Answered presents journalism as activism, and displays the determination and dedication of journalists worldwide in exposing and eradicating apartheid. In his book, Schechter reveals the crucial role media played in anti-apartheid achieving worldwide recognition, which enabled outsiders to support the movement. 

Danny Schechter's life-long involvement with the freedom movement in South Africa is very well known and respected."

Reverend Jesse Jackson, Civil Rights Leader

Schechter embraces all media, from The New York Times to Twitter.  His experience has run the gamut from television, newspapers, and radio, to books and documentaries, to online news publications, blogs and tweets. Danny has written sixteen books: including Madiba A to Z: The Many Faces of Nelson Mandela (Seven Stories Press, November 2013), a story-telling biography of Nelson Mandela. He has produced numerous documentaries, including Mandela in America. He hosts a weekly radio show, and is the founder and executive editor of MediaChannel and Globalvision, Inc., an award-winning media company. His online contributions appear at NewsDissector.net and Mediachannel.org., and his column appears in The Huffington Post.  Danny Schechter’s work has been honored with many awards including: Emmy Awards, the IRIS Award, the George Polk Award, the Major Armstrong Award, and honors from the National Association of Black Journalists. Often referred to as the “News Dissector”, Danny also speaks internationally on media issues.

Over the years, Schechter has received wide praise for his multi-faceted media work:

“Here is story-telling that is unique, refreshing, and revealing, and the Nelson Mandela who emerges is someone you will want to know. You will be both surprised by Mandela’s profoundly complex personality and grateful for Danny Schechter’s creative journalism."— Bill Moyers, leading veteran journalist

- “We need 50, 100, 1,000 Danny Schechters. And we need everyone to take his words to heart.”

– Robert W. McChesney, Media Historian

“Danny Schechter's life-long involvement with the freedom movement in South Africa is very well known and respected."  – Reverend Jesse Jackson, Civil Rights Leader and President of Rainbow Push

When South Africa Called, We Answered is an inspiring and educational read for those interested in the role of the media in historic world events, the history of South Africa, journalism, and activism that mobilizes people for the greater good.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DANNY SCHECHTER is a writer, television producer, and independent filmmaker who also speaks about media and financial issues. He is the editor of Mediachannell1.org, and blogs daily as the News Dissector at NewsDissector.net. Schechter is the author of sixteen books and has produced and directed more than thirty documentaries and television specials. His blog was named the 2009 “Blog of the Year” by the Hunter College Media Department of the City University of New York.

WHEN SOUTH AFRICA CALLED, WE ANSWERED: How the Media and International Solidarity Helped Topple Apartheid

Cosimo Books, February 2015

Public Affairs/History/Media

ISBN 978-1-61640-941-8

Paperback, 296 pages, $16.99

Also available as eBook.

ABOUT COSIMO BOOKS

COSIMO BOOKS publishes titles by experts, academics, journalists, and visionaries on topics including Public Affairs, Socially Responsible Business and Personal Development. Cosimo Books, based in New York, is an imprint of Cosimo, Inc., a specialty publisher of books and publications that inspire, inform and engage readers. Cosimo’s mission is to create a smart and sustainable society by connecting people with valuable ideas.