Tello Leballo is a prominent Mosotho broadcaster, music consultant, industry advisor within the cultural creative sector and the visionary founder of Sky Alpha HD, Lesotho's premier online radio station. Tello honed his broadcasting, webcasting and communications skills through studies at Tshwane University of Technology and international experiences in United States of America, Namibia, Zambia, South Africa, Botswana, Egypt, Mozambique and Kenya. He began his career as an intern at Lesotho National Broadcasting Service, where he ascended to the position of Technical Officer before transitioning to the programs department as a Radio Presenter and DJ at Radio Lesotho. In 2006, he played a pivotal role in establishing The Ultimate Radio, Lesotho's first government-owned commercial radio station. During his tenure as Head of Programs at The Ultimate Radio, he initiated the Ultimate Music Awards to recognize outstanding artists in Lesotho. He has organized successful events such as Motsoako Invasion and the annual Spring Madness music festival, and he currently collaborates with Music in Africa on a European Union-funded project aimed at archiving music in Southern Africa.

IVLP Impact Award Project: Content Creators Meet AI to Fight Misinformation 

The project will include a seven-month workshop uniting various stakeholders from across the nation, including content creators, digital editors, marketers, influencers, and online journalists, to equip them with AI-driven strategies to counter misinformation effectively. The workshop will be divided into three regional segments tailored to address specific community needs and will cover topics such as automated fact-checking, sentiment analysis, and AI blockchain integration. Activities will include hands-on training sessions, and an emphasis on investigative journalism and creating a collaborative environment. Participants will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to combat misinformation, fostering a more informed and discerning Lesotho community in the digital age.

The Digital Innovators Summit launched in July 2024 and secured partnerships with three universities and two corporate institutions. These collaborations will enhance project sustainability and engage students and media professionals across Lesotho. The project has hosted two successful workshops—one at the American Corner of the State Library and another at Botho University. Initially planned as three two-day events, the project shifted to three one-day events to accommodate university schedules and increase reach, which led to greater audience engagement.  

The summit has achieved impressive social media engagement, with posts related to the event garnering between 300 and 142,000 interactions across various platforms. In-person participation has also been strong, with 85 attendees on the first day and 60 on the second day of the first session. The second session garnered 78 in-person guests.   

“Empowering individuals with the knowledge, skills, and resources to combat misinformation effectively fosters a more informed and discerning Lesotho community in the digital age. Through collaborative efforts and innovative AI-driven strategies, we aspire to safeguard the integrity of information and promote digital literacy, ensuring a brighter future for our society.” - Tello Leballo

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Tello Leballo participated in the IVLP Project Edward R. Murrow Program for Journalists - Media Responsibility in an Age of Disinformation, organized by the U.S. Department of State and FHI 360, in partnership with World Affairs Council of Philadelphia, WorldMontana, WorldOrlando, and World Partnerships Inc.

Tello Leballo’s exchange experience led to the development of his project: "My IVLP experience was a profound journey that unveiled the intricate tapestry of global narratives, from the corridors of power in Washington, D.C. to the serene backdrop of Helena, Montana. Interacting with esteemed figures like Ms. Julie Anderson and Dr. Casey Frechette provided invaluable insights into the battle against misinformation. Inspired by these encounters, my IVLP Impact Award Project aims to harness AI tools to confront falsehoods and promote journalistic integrity on a global scale.”

U.S. Communities Visited

Washington, DC; St. Petersburg, FL; Helena, MT; Philadelphia, PA

Country: Lesotho

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