UNGA: Panelists Seek Global Media Representation for People of African Descent
New York, Sept. 24, 2024 (NAN) — At a dialogue titled “The Media of the Future: Bridging the Gap Between the West and People of African Descent,” panelists emphasized the crucial need for better media representation of people of African descent. The event, held online on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 79), focused on building mega media platforms in Africa to reshape global narratives about the continent.
The dialogue, convened by Simon Ibe, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Global Patriot Newspapers, discussed the underrepresentation of African stories in global media, calling for Africa to take control of its narratives. Panelists advocated for Africans to leverage technology, enhance leadership in media, and promote skills for economic growth.
Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh, Chairman of Zinox Group, highlighted Africa’s need to build its own media platforms to increase global media access. He emphasized the importance of knowledge and content in the media industry, and how insufficient access to media exposure has limited Africa’s narrative globally. Ekeh also shared his experience transitioning West Africa from analogue to digital media.
Yul Anderson, President of the African American Future Society (TAAFS), urged for coordinated messaging by African media outlets to combat disinformation and promote positive stories about people of African descent.
Laolu Akande, Editor-in-Chief of Empowered Newswire and spokesperson for former Nigerian Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), stressed the need for African elites to take responsibility for the continent’s development, advocating for investment in media and journalism by African billionaires to shift global narratives about the continent.
Nicky Spencer-Coker, spokesperson for the Permanent Mission of Sierra Leone to the United Nations, discussed the challenges of having African stories accurately represented in global media, highlighting the dominance of negative and stereotypical portrayals. She called for more African representation in leadership roles within global media.
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), stressed the need for Africans to control their media image and invest in Africa’s media infrastructure. She also highlighted the significant role of the African diaspora in changing global narratives about the continent.
Other notable speakers, including Toyin Umesiri and Prof. Akil Khalfani, advocated for wealth creation, economic empowerment, and a Pan-African approach to reshaping Africa’s global image through media.
The dialogue concluded with a commitment to continuing the conversation, given the importance of media representation in shaping Africa’s future.
