This archive report was first published on 9 December 2019.
Published on December 9, 2019, panelists at the Kusi Ideas Festival in Kigali, Rwanda, highlighted the evolving media landscape, driven by technological advancements.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the media industry, enabling computers to generate content, and the Internet of Things (IoT) is allowing consumers to receive news through everyday appliances like fridges and cookers.
"As it stands, the use of specific devices to receive news is in its final stages, people will receive news from their fridges and all manner of gadgets," said Mutuma Mathiu, Editorial Director at Nation Media Group.
Converged technology, he added, is beneficial for journalism, enhancing truth-seeking, fact-checking, and storytelling.
However, social media has become a double-edged sword, mobilizing people while spreading misinformation, leaving mainstream media with the traditional value of keeping citizens informed.
"We have seen social media being weaponized to rig elections and spread misinformation. Now, we're seeing people preferring to pay for credible news," Mr. Mathiu said.
Despite the challenges, panelists emphasized the importance of media in democracy, with social media playing a significant role in shaping public discourse.
"Social media is here to stay and participate in democracy," said Jeanine Munyeshuli, highlighting the need for governments to be transparent and accountable.
As the media landscape continues to evolve, panelists emphasized the need for media to engage with the youth on critical issues like climate change, conservation, and creative arts.
"We need to support young people's ideas in the circular economy, especially in utilizing waste like broken glass, recyclable home waste, and plastics. This will save forests," said Ikal Angelei, Director of Friends of Lake Turkana.
Francis Okomo-Okello, Chairman TPS Eastern Africa Plc, challenged the youth to use creative arts in communicating climate change in easily understandable ways.
