Lauri Elliott

Media is such a major issue for Africa at this time.  There is a general perception that western media is doing a disservice to the image of Africa.  I agree and disagree.

I agree that western media has painted a particular view of Africa as needy, poor, corrupt, and in conflict historically.  But there are also those who do Africa a good service.

But to me this argument is no longer the primary relevant issue.  Now with the technology tools and the connected society, everyone is media.  That is called citizen media.  Individuals, groups, and organizations need to use this shift to make media that is appropriate for Africa.

The new configurations of media will be infinite, but open.  This is what we have to focus on.  There are still people who need to work with in traditional media who can help change what is being reported and how.  But most of us, whether professional media or public media don’t have to what for things to change, we can make the change.

I had a brief opportunity to share these thoughts and others at the Rwanda Convention 2010 (www.rwandaconvention.org) in Boston, Massachusetts on May 29, 2010.  And living  up to the potential in technology, I participated via videoconferencing from my home!

You can download my slide presentation – Evolving Media Presentation 2010 (36). 

Feel free to start up a conversation on this.