Media portraits of minorities and developing countries

Thursday 04 September 08

This week in Belfast, a seminar about Africa and the media was held under the banner of the Building  Unity through  Diversity campaign. Discussions were held on crucial issues such as; the role of media in portraying minorities and developing countries, the messages that NGOs transmit about them, and the complexity of reality in these contexts.

Julius Anakaa, a Nigerian reporter currently working for the BBC, made some points on the media demonization of minorities and the Eurocentric contents of newspapers and broadcast media, while minority concerns are ignored. He also pointed out the powerful role that media could play in building intercultural societies by highlighting the positive contributions made by minority groups in Western societies.

In addition, Hans Zomer, representing DOCHAS (The Irish Association of Non Development Organizations) shared some interesting ideas on creating a code of conduct on images and messages that NGOs can follow in their awareness raising and campaigns. He drew attention to the idea that organizations need to find a balance between sending shocking messages to attract funding, while respecting the dignity of the people concerned and the complexity of the societies that they are working with.

One journalist, who had experience of writing for many voluntary sector publications, stated that journalists do their best not to be sensationalist, but they also struggle to “capture people’s attention”. She emphasized that NGOs should build relationships with journalists, to give them feedback and opportunities to meet people affected, in order to understand their realities and countries they work with. That would enable them to develop their articles, news, and documentaries in a more balanced and comprehensive way.

At the end of the discussion, a participant concluded that media are not the only people responsible for stereotyping and marginalizing minorities and developing countries, but they have power to change perceptions and should be vigilant how they use this. All individuals and organizations also have power and responsibility and can take steps to tackle the problem of misperceptions of minority groups and developing countries.