DDP | Inanda FM Media Summit 2024
The Democracy Development Program NPC in partnership with Inanda fm hosted a media summit on the 27th of June 2024 in Durban. This summit is one DDP’s annual special project hosted as a means of equipping and reflecting media practitioners in the country. The program was steered by DDP’s senior programs manager – Mr Sphamandla Mhlongo.
The purpose of this summit was to provide a platform for strategic reflection on the role the media has played in the South African National and Provincial Election period. The media remains to be vital in reflecting the views of the citizens, shaping public opinion, concerns, and priorities of the electorate. Moreover, the relationship between media and society is interdependent in nature, the media needs an audience and engagement. People are in constant need of information on what is happening in the country
Our Executive Director, Dr Paul Kariuki emphasized the importance of such platforms which serve as melting point of counsel where democratic institutions, media and civil society to retrospect. Furthermore, he highlighted the fact that the organisation is also mandated to co-create an enabling environment for media to host progressive conversations on democratic processes.
The keynote address delivered by Professor Anthony Harber was focused on the role of media in deepening democracy in South Africa. He reflected on 2024 elections and highlighted the role that the media has played in sharpening our democracy tools, including the coverage of various political organizations – big or small.
A panel discussion on countering misinformation and bullying of media practitioners during elections facilitated by Yanga Malotana and it had Nompilo Mchunu from the Government Communications and Information Services (GCIS) and Gugu Madonsela from DDP sharing their experiences and mitigating ways in which journalist could use to counter bullying and mis information. The panel also looked at the intersectionality of issues that affect journalists based on race, gender, class and sometimes phenotypical features as the media houses are always keen on pleasing their investors and audience.
Furthermore, a dialogue on maintaining ethics and objectivity in journalism during an election was held to scrutinize the multifaceted and crucial role media plays in shaping public opinion, disseminating information, fostering debate and holding those in power accountable.
In conclusion, this summit cemented the importance of media in society, not just for reporting news or shaping narratives. But it is significant for history recording, accountability passages and informing the public on issues that matter to them. Lastly, media exists intrinsically with the people who share, indulge and criticize the news. The relationship is symbiotic; thus, democracy could only thrive when all are represented fully.
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