Media
The Media in Africa has been called upon to adopt digital technologies which will enable them to reach the ever changing audience with real time news which is increasingly becoming a key for survival.
Media Council of Kenya (MCK) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) David Omwoyo said that digital opportunities and technologies have gone further to allow the audience that were out of reach in the past days to be able to access news and information through their phones and media houses should follow the audiences where they are going.
Speaking in Nairobi on Thursday during the All-Africa Media Leaders’ Summit, Omwoyo said that the forum’s aim is to discuss the media business, its progress and its role in shaping Africa’s future.
“This forum is not only a reflection of the centrality of the Kenyan and African media landscape and its role in development; it is also an appreciation that with great energy and collaboration, we can chart a brighter future for the African media,” said Omwoyo.
The CEO said that the summit has come at a time when the digital media is taking off in Africa and it offers media experts in the continent an opportunity to discuss ways to transform traditional media into digital media which is increasingly becoming a necessity for survival.
“The digital transition has not only created more opportunities for the media and content creators but has also allowed us to go through a transition where first of all, more content is created and second the information and content is reaching more audiences,” said Omwoyo.
He reiterated that during the old days news was being translated to African languages but now the technology has allowed the newspaper to be read in one language and the technology through Artificial Intelligence (AI) knows the language of consumption of the different consumers.
He urged media leaders not to fight technology but rather cooperate for better results instead of the scoop mentality where sometimes the media compete too much. “Technology has shown that collaboration will bring better results, cut down operation costs and also increase incomes,” he said.
African Development Bank President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina noted that the gathering is taking place at a period of great challenge for African countries that have been devastated by storms and floods with many lives being lost as a result.
Additionally, he addressed the summit on the role of media in African themed ‘Reengineering African Media in times of critical transformation.’ “An independent, professional and responsible media is critical for the freedom of speech and development of democracy and strengthening of the inclusive society,” he stated.
Adesina said that it has been a rough ride for media and enterprise across Africa since Covid-19 Pandemic.
He said: “We are living in dynamic times where technology continues to evolve rapidly with increased digitalization, internet and social media usage shifting audiences to social media outlets making radio, television and Print publications look like a distant memory especially for the young generation.”
Adesina noted that two thirds of the global population are turning to the internet, social media and pre-play to access real time news, information and entertainment.
He said that the dynamic shift is largely fueled by the widespread use of mobile phones adding that by the year 2030, 6 billion people globally will have access to smartphones and 692 millions of these people will be in Africa.
“These transformative changes have led to the creation and distribution of diverse news and content including AI generated content and deep fake. The line between facts and fiction can become blurred,” said Adesina.