-International media’s gloomy portrayal of Africa ascribable to failure to inform personal tales: Journalists
Africa has lengthy struggled to successfully convey its story, forfeiting its likelihood in world info movement and resulting in western media’s darkish portrayal of the continent, in response to some journalists who additionally careworn the necessity for creating sturdy continental media.
There’s a prevailing argument that the shortage of such platforms permits Western narratives to dominate, typically portraying the continent as a hub of poverty and battle. This misrepresentation has led some to advocate for the institution of a continental media group able to reshaping Africa’s picture and narrative.
The concept of building continental media has been floating since lately, with Ethiopia formally elevating the matter on the African Union Summit held in 2022.
Up to now, Africa has been unable to arrange formidable continental media, though some argue that the Pan-African Information Company, established in 1979, was a superb starting.
A brand new report by Africa No Filter in partnership with the Africa Centre New York and the College of Cape City sheds gentle on how the world’s main information retailers painting Africa. The report, titled “International Media Index for Africa,” analyzes on-line information protection from 20 influential information suppliers, together with CNN, The Guardian, BBC, and Al Jazeera.
This 2024 report indicated that Africa’s tales had been most frequently dominated by themes like poverty, corruption, and political points. Constructive developments in areas like tradition, arts, innovation, and know-how had been not often talked about within the on-line articles analyzed.
Arthur Davies Sikopo is a contract Zambian journalist. He criticized the Western media’s portrayal of Africa, describing it as predominantly damaging. “The Western media continues to label us as a ‘darkish continent,’ focusing solely on poverty whereas ignoring our wealth and potential, so mentioned Arthur in an unique interview with The Ethiopian Herald through WhatsApp.
He identified that many Western nations exploit Africa’s sources whereas perpetuating damaging stereotypes in regards to the continent. “I imagine Africa remains to be grappling with the creation of a continental media platform that may inform our personal tales and set our agenda.”
“We are likely to want working independently relatively than forming teams,” Arthur defined. “This reluctance to collaborate hampers our skill to ascertain a platform that tells our personal tales.” He additionally emphasised that Africa typically waits for exterior narratives to emerge, which then dictate the continent’s portrayal. “In Zambia, for instance, a neighborhood story I cowl could also be overshadowed by a chunk from a world journalist, even when my understanding of the native context is deeper,” he added.
Azu Ishiekwene, editor-in-chief of Management primarily based in Nigeria, disagrees with the notion that Africa lacks continental media. “The Pan-African Information Company (PANA) has existed since 1979 and serves as a platform for sharing details about politics, tradition, and enterprise throughout African member states,” he famous. Nonetheless, he acknowledged that PANA faces important challenges, together with funding points and competitors from established Western media just like the BBC and AFP, which produce extra broadly consumed content material.
Azu additionally identified that PANA struggles with high quality and language range, because it primarily offers content material in English and French, which don’t symbolize the continent’s linguistic richness. “With over 400 languages spoken throughout Africa, the company can’t cater to the various wants of native audiences,” he argued.
“It’s important for us to create media models that may counter these narratives,” Arthur careworn. “Some tales about Zambia I learn elsewhere aren’t solely deceptive but in addition damaging. We should venture a constructive picture of Africa and problem these misconceptions.”
Adana Assefa, Deputy Director Normal of OBN TV, echoed Arthur’s sentiments, stating that a lot work stays to enhance media illustration of Africa. He known as for Ethiopian media, given its place because the seat of the African Union, to take a number one position in protecting continental points extra totally.
Azu argued that blaming Western media is counterproductive. “African nations and governments have to spend money on information and media platforms that inform our tales,” he mentioned. He emphasised that the accountability to form Africa’s narrative in the end lies throughout the continent itself.
The African Union has an essential position to play in fostering collaboration amongst journalists. Azu highlighted the necessity for African nations to spend money on content material creation and storytelling to reshape the worldwide narrative about Africa. “We should collaborate and share tales throughout borders to create a extra cohesive African narrative,” he urged.
The dialogue additionally touched on the movement of details about Africa globally. Azu famous that technological developments have made it simpler for African journalists to inform their very own tales, lowering reliance on overseas media. “The African Union may help promote higher engagement amongst journalists and encourage adherence to freedom of expression whereas encouraging member states to spend money on unbiased journalism,” he added.
Arthur additionally emphasised the significance of African self-reliance, stating that dependence on exterior funding impedes the continent’s skill to manage its narrative. Adana added that the AU ought to contemplate establishing its personal media to successfully talk its agendas.
Adana equally careworn the need of building a continental media platform to work on the AU’s agendas. “The AU should acknowledge the facility of media in shaping a affluent Africa,” he acknowledged, highlighting the work of OBN HORN Africa in broadcasting in a number of languages to advertise Africa’s potential.
