IGF 2024 WS #200 Empowering African Journalists against Digi-centric risks

    Organizer 1: Theorose Elikplim Dzineku, 🔒
    Organizer 2: Stephen Mawutor Donkor, 🔒
    Organizer 3: Ida Padikuor Na-Tei , CTN Technologies/ ISOC YSG

    Speaker 1: Winnie Kamau, Civil Society, African Group
    Speaker 2: George Nyabuga, Civil Society, African Group
    Speaker 3: David Burudi Indej, Civil Society, African Group
    Speaker 4: Nomshado Lubisi, Civil Society, African Group

    Moderator

    Theorose Elikplim Dzineku, Civil Society, African Group

    Online Moderator

    Stephen Mawutor Donkor, Technical Community, African Group

    Rapporteur

    Ida Padikuor Na-Tei , Private Sector, African Group

    Format

    Roundtable
    Duration (minutes): 90
    Format description: The roundtable format will allow participants to interact better with the session.

    Policy Question(s)

    1. How can regulatory frameworks be adapted to foster innovation in journalism while ensuring accountability and ethical standards are upheld in the digital space?
    2. How can public-private partnerships be leveraged to develop and implement technological solutions that empower journalists to harness innovation responsibly, safeguarding press freedom and promoting transparency in the digital sphere?

    What will participants gain from attending this session? Attendees will gain an understanding of the potential impact of AI, blockchain, and other disruptive technologies on the media landscape, and how journalists can adapt to these changes proactively. By the end of the session, attendees will walk away with a deeper understanding of how to navigate the dynamic digital sphere, harness innovation effectively, and mitigate risks to ensure the continued relevance and credibility of journalism in the digital age.

    Description:

    In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, journalists face a myriad of challenges and opportunities. The digital revolution has fundamentally transformed the way news is produced, distributed, and consumed, presenting both unprecedented innovation and complex risks. This session will delve into the crucial role of harnessing innovation while navigating risks, with a specific focus on empowering African journalists in the digital sphere. The session will explore how technological advancements are shaping the media landscape, from AI-driven news production to immersive storytelling techniques. However, with innovation comes inherent risks, including the proliferation of misinformation, privacy concerns, and ethical dilemmas. This session will address these challenges, providing strategies for journalists to mitigate risks and uphold journalistic integrity in the digital age. Also, the session will offer a glimpse into future trends and emerging technologies that will shape the future of journalism.

    Expected Outcomes

    The expected outcomes of the session will include a heightened understanding among journalists of the opportunities and challenges presented by digital innovation. Participants will gain insights into leveraging emerging technologies like AI and data analytics while mitigating risks such as misinformation and privacy concerns. By embracing digital literacy and ethical standards, journalists can enhance their ability to produce high-quality, trustworthy content in the ever-evolving media landscape.

    Hybrid Format: Online moderator Introduce the topic, give background, and introduce speakers
    The onsite moderator explains how the session will start - and points out attendees can ask questions throughout the session through request floor option or online through the chat box.
    11-30 Policy Question 1 Online moderator introduces question 1 and assigns it to speakers 1, and 2.
    The moderator will raise a maximum of two questions, one online and one onsite
    30-45 Policy Question 2 Onsite moderator introduces question 2 and assigns it to speaker 3,
    45-80 Questions and Answers this is addressed by both moderators. This part can be used to address any parts which might be missed
    80- 90 Conclusión Onsite moderator ends session