Bono’s new gig: journalist

Bono was a guest editor of Tuesday’s edition of Britain’s Independent newspaper, filling its pages with stories on HIV/AIDS in Africa, poverty and global warming.

The 46-year-old Irish rocker, who has long complained that Africa’s problems get little attention in the news, was invited to sit in the editor’s chair to highlight his latest venture, Project Red, which enlists corporations to donate the proceeds of products made under the “Red” brand to humanitarian efforts in Africa.

The newspaper’s front page featured a headline saying, “No News Today,” with the footnote: “Just 6,500 Africans died today as a result of a preventable, treatable disease (HIV/AIDS).”

Half the revenue from the sale of Tuesday’s Independent will go to aid groups in Africa, the newspaper said.

In an editorial, Bono, the frontman for U2, asked readers to support Project Red, which includes corporate sponsors such as American Express, the Gap and Converse footwear.