Panellists at a dialogue on the Media of the Future have emphasised the importance of media representation for people of African descent and the need for Africa to build its mega media platforms.

The panellists made the call at an online dialogue on ‘The Media of the Future: Bridging the Gap Between the West and People of African Descent’.

The dialogue was convened in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations Summit of the Future held during the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 79) High-level Week.

At the dialogue organised by Simon Ibe, publisher/editor-in-chief of Global Patriot Newspapers, the panellists discussed the challenges faced by Africans in gaining access to global media outlets.

Participants discussed the challenges faced by Africans in having their stories accurately represented internationally and stressed the need for them to take control of their narratives and destinies.

The participants also advised Africans to prioritise skills for sustaining economies, attracting investment, creating wealth, and leveraging technology and leadership in the African economy to change media coverage and ensure adequate representation of Africa’s positive aspects.

In his presentation, Leo Stan Ekeh, the chairman of Zinox Group, a tech company, stressed the importance of media representation for people of African descent and the need for Africa to build its mega media platforms.

Mr Ekeh spoke of his contributions to the transition from analogue to digital media in West Africa and emphasised the importance of knowledge and content in the media industry.

He highlighted the lack of awareness about black people’s innovative and creative abilities. He stressed the need for Africa to become part of the global community through greater access to the global media.

He shared his experiences building a tech group and digital retail business and how insufficient access to global media exposure was a major issue. He also encouraged African media practitioners to find financial resources to develop their own mega-media platforms driven by technology.

Also, Yul Anderson, president of the African American Future Society (TAAFS), spoke on the need for coordinated messaging by African media outlets to combat disinformation and promote positive stories about People of African Descent.

He spoke extensively about the Black Futures Summit on the sidelines of the United Nations Summit of the Future.

(NAN)