LONDON, May 13, 2006 (AFP) - U2 lead singer Bono is to edit British national newspaper The Independent next week to highlight the problems facing Africa, particularly the fight against AIDS, the publication said Saturday.
The rockstar and activist will take the editor's chair on Tuesday as part of the RED initiative he launched with American philanthropist Bobby Shriver to involve the corporate world in the battle against the disease, it added.
Editor Simon Kelner said The Independent was the first media organisation to sign up to the scheme, in which companies create specifically-tailored products and donate a percentage of profits to AIDS charities in Africa.
Half of all the revenues from Tuesday's newspaper will be donated to the scheme, he added.
"We are delighted to be involved with RED, and I am thrilled to be handing over the editor's desk for a day to Bono," Kelner wrote.
"His perspective on world affairs is unique, his access to world leaders is second to none, and he shares the sensibilities of our newspaper."
Kelner said Bono had already commissioned a number of features for the day, including one with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
Editorially liberal, The Independent is noted for its coverage of environmental and social issues.
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