Bilan's first AMC: An eye-opening encounter with the latest tech used by African Media
Ifrah joined the Africa Media Convention in Ghana as part of her internship with Bilan. Over two days, she learned how media across the continent using AI and tech to improve reporting accuracy and impact.
Last month I flew to Ghana to represent Bilan at the African Media Convention in Ghana’s vibrant capital city, Accra. This was Bilan’s first time at the annual event, which brings together journalists from across the continent to discuss the most important trends in media. This year’s topics ranged from AI to media financing, misinformation and journalist safety. These are all key issues for Bilan and I was excited to learn as much as I could over the three day event.
I attended various sessions, but my favorite was the discussion on 'Improving Africa's Capacity to Respond to Climate-Related Emergencies,' which offered new perspectives on how the media can address the crucial challenge of climate in the continent. This was especially important for me because Bilan Media has been focusing on climate reporting, and I took away key messages that will enhance our ability to do advocacy and raise awareness in our climate reporting.
A highlight of my experience was introducing Bilan Media to fellow journalists. Many were unfamiliar with our work, and it was gratifying to see their enthusiasm for our journalism.
The convention's themes greatly impacted my understanding of freedom of speech and the role of media in fostering resilient democracies. The knowledge gained and the connections made will undoubtedly influence my work at Bilan, driving our commitment to producing high-quality, impactful journalism.
For instance, the session on 'Mis/Disinformation and Democracy in Africa' was particularly relevant to Somalia, where misinformation can have significant consequences. I am committed to enhancing my skills in this area and sharing these insights with my colleagues at Bilan. We will work together to improve our fact-checking processes and ensure our reporting remains accurate and reliable.
Moreover, the discussions on AI in media were fascinating. The potential of AI to enhance reporting and fact-checking is immense. At Bilan, we aim to explore how these technologies can be integrated into our workflow to improve efficiency and accuracy.
For a start, I believe Bilan Media can significantly improve our fact-checking processes during interviews. Before publishing any interview, we will rigorously verify that all statements made by our interviewees are based on verified facts. This commitment to accuracy will ensure that we broadcast reliable information to the public, reinforcing our dedication to high-quality journalism and maintaining public trust.
In conclusion, attending the African Media Convention in Accra was an enriching and inspiring experience. It reinforced the vital role of journalism in Africa and highlighted the importance of solidarity and innovation in our field. This journey of learning and networking will undoubtedly enhance the quality of journalism at Bilan Media, empowering us to better serve our audience and contribute to a more informed and empowered society. By merging the insights gained from the convention with our focus on Somalia, we can address the unique challenges faced by our country and make a meaningful impact through our work.
