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

[Mwathi Francis]

Thanks for the summary. To view event pictures follow the link below
http://www.telecentre.org/photo/album/show?id=2086278%3AAlbum%3A38411


On 8/20/09, Sandra Nassali <snassali at ugabytes.org> wrote:
> 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.*
>
> --
> Join the telecentre.org PHOTO Contest for a chance to win recognition and
> prizes. For more info, check out http://www.telecentre.org
>
> 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
> _______________________________________________
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> ugabytes at lists.ugabytes.org
> http://lists.ugabytes.org/mailman/listinfo/ugabytes_lists.ugabytes.org
>


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Francis Mwathi
Support Community Facilitator
UgaBYTES Initiatives (www.ugabytes.org)
Telecentr.org (www.telecentrecommunity.ning.com)
Tel: +256 414 370163
Mob: +256 783 010269
Skype: francis.mwathi
E-Mail: mfrancis at ugabytes.org