Media professionals, regulators, and policy experts from Africa and worldwide have convened in Arusha for the 2nd Pan-African Media Councils’ Summit, which began on July 14. This three-day event, themed “Advancing Media and Communication Regulations for Journalism Excellence in Africa,” aims to unite key stakeholders to discuss the future of journalism, rethink regulatory frameworks, and enhance public trust and professionalism in the media sector.
In his opening remarks, Ernest Sungura, Chairperson of the Network of Independent Media Councils in Africa (NIMCA), emphasised the urgent need for innovative regulatory strategies that can effectively address emerging challenges, such as artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and content moderation, while upholding African values. He emphasised that this summit presents a crucial opportunity for regulators, media practitioners, and thought leaders to reaffirm their commitment to ethical journalism in an increasingly complex media landscape.
David Omwoyo, CEO of the Media Council of Kenya, echoed this sentiment by emphasising the importance of inclusive regulation encompassing the government, media professionals, and civil society. He pointed out that the media functions as a public good and should, therefore, receive public funding while being insulated from political pressures to safeguard its independence and integrity.
During the keynote address, Dr Tawfik Jelassi, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Communications, raised concerns about the increasing threats to media freedom and public trust stemming from technological advancements and financial instability. He urged increased support and funding for media councils, asserting that upholding media integrity requires collective efforts rather than relying on a single entity. He advocated for collaboration that marries innovation with ethical standards.
The summit also marks NIMCA’s first Annual General Meeting, a platform to strengthen initiatives promoting independent media regulation across Africa.
Delegates will participate in high-level panel discussions, technical workshops, and a Policy and Power Ministers’ Roundtable featuring ministers from Tanzania and Zambia.
Throughout the summit, participants will delve into critical topics affecting the contemporary media landscape, including the influence of artificial intelligence on journalism, the significance of data protection and digital privacy, strategies to combat misinformation and disinformation, and the promotion of diversity and inclusion in media organisations.
These discussions will benefit from insights from experts across Africa, Asia, and Europe. The Kenyan delegation, organised by the Media Council of Kenya, is actively involved in this summit, working collaboratively to develop a forward-thinking approach to media regulation that addresses Africa’s unique challenges and aspirations in the digital era.
