ABU DHABI, 27th November, 2024 (WAM) -- A panel discussion on the second day of the Global Media Congress (GMC 2024) titled “Transforming Narratives: New Voices in the Global Media Sphere” examined the shifting dynamics in global media, focusing on the rise of voices from underrepresented regions like the Middle East, Africa, and the Global South.
The panel addressed the challenges and opportunities for these regions to assert their narratives against Western-centric dominance.
Discussions centred on the role of technology and social media in amplifying marginalised perspectives, tackling biases in storytelling, and creating culturally inclusive content.
Lenah Hassaballah, Editor, CNN Business Arabic, highlighted how under-represented regions are challenging Western media’s dominance. She cited recent disparities in narratives between Western and regional outlets, emphasising the need for localised storytelling and the power of social media in amplifying authentic voices.
She also criticised the lack of content in native languages, especially Arabic, and called for greater investment in promoting regional stories and training journalists to ensure culturally sensitive reporting.
Sunil John, Senior Advisor MENA, Stagwell Inc., discussed the business-driven nature of global media and the entrenched dominance of Western outlets, evidenced by the prevalence of English-language content online.
Alexander Kobia, Africa Representative and Distributions, Viory, addressed the challenges of African media, particularly its reliance on advertising revenue, which limits independent reporting. He stressed the need to highlight Africa’s positive stories rather than focusing on conflict to reshape global perceptions.
The panel concluded that while technology offers transformative potential, biases in global media remain pervasive. The speakers urged investment in technology, stronger marketing of regional stories, and collaboration between emerging voices and established platforms. They emphasised the need for under-represented regions to own their narratives, harness social media, and produce compelling localised content to foster a more balanced global media landscape.