[UgaBYTES] Report for Media DInner, hosted by UgaBYTES Initiatives on 17th Aug, 2009 at Arirang Hotel Kampala

[Sandra Nassali]

On 17th Aug, 2009, UgaBYTES alongside telecentre.org organized a media
dinner at Arirang Hotel Kampala whose aim was to discuss the state of ICTs
in rural development including that of telecentres and the challenges
journalists face in their quest to write about ICT4D. It also meant to map
out the way forward to increasing media coverage of technology solutions in
development.

The gathering also meant to engage/sencourage journalists to cover issues
concerning ICT4D in the region. Given the role of the media in increasing
awareness about any thing and in this regard ICT4D, it was always considered
paramount by telecentre.org/ UgaBYTES to have a gathering with journalists
and to look for ways on how this would be addressed.

The Dinner commenced at 5.00pm to 10.00pm.

*Work shop participation*
Attendance was good with over 40 journalist from different types of media
attending.

*Work shop proceedings*
The workshop recognised that radio and television are ICTs themselves – with
greater public outreach and social influence than the newer ICTs such as
mobile phones, personal computers, Internet, communications satellites and
other data management devices. It also noted how the newer ICTs are
completely transforming radio and TV broadcasting through media convergence
and the creation of more interactive opportunities for audiences.

It also recognised that print media is vital in covering the nexus between
ICTs
and development as these media reach rural and under deserved communities as
they are more acceptable by local communities.

*Introductory remarks*
In his welcome remarks, Mr. Sulah Ndaula, Director of UgaBYTES Initiatives
noted that today, its a world of equal opportunities for all people to have
access to and use knowledge and information to improve their lives and that
is what ICTs are in place to do. So unless awareness about them is created
through the media, people in rural areas and under deserved communities can
not know their importances. He noted that ICTs need to win public trust and
acceptance, and media can help ask the right questions and search for
answers as regards this. “We should be critically cheer leading ICTs
when it comes to their role in development'' he said.

*Challenges journalists face in covering ICT4D stories:*
Among the activities was a brief introduction of ICTs for Development to
journalists, a presentation about *telecentre.org/ ICT4D* conducted by
Sandra Nassali and Mwathi Francis ( Community Facilitaors, telecentre.org)
and an open session where journalists were given an opportunity to air out
their views. The following were the challenges that were raised;

Journalists noted that they find ICT stories difficult to follow and cover.
Political stories still overtake ICT stories in the media. Also, Editors
feel ICT stories do not make news and therefore they reject them. At the end
of the day, this burrs coverage.

Journalists also lack skills in writing for ICT. They called for training in
this.

*They urged that Capacity building should revolve around;*
• Training module on Media and ICT should be developed.

• More media fellowships should be provided to enable journalists and
producers to study and understand the nexus between ICTs and development

• Media orientation and training workshops should be organized for
mid-career
professionals, practising journalists as well as Editors.


They also noted that more media fellowships should be organised to enable
journalists and producers/editors to study and understand the nexus between
ICTs and development.

The event was a success and thanks to all who took apart. Initiatives to
invite journalists to join telecentre.org have been taken as this is
perceived to give them ideas on how to report about ICTs and since this is a
knowledge sharing platform, it will be one of the ways stories can be
generated/ created for local consumption.

*NB: Watch out for the pictorial of the event. It will be up loaded soon.*

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Sandra Nassali
Community Facilitator
UgaBYTES Initiative (www.ugabytes.org)
Telecentre.org  (www.telecentrecommunity.ning.com)
Plot 2218 Ggaba Road,
2nd Floor Kangave House
P.O. Box 6081 K'la
Email  snassali at ugabytes.org
chat    (skype)- n.sandra.
Tel      +256-414-370163