GAC - Bridgetown Protocol - Media Working Group Report



		THE BRIDGETOWN PROTOCOL HOME TABLE OF CONTENTS Back to Working Group Reports PART III - WORKING GROUP REPORTS MEDIA WORKING GROUP REPORT Co-chair persons: Desire Timngum and Marilyn Kern-Foxworth Rapporteur: Alana Hamilton INTRODUCTION PRIORITY AREAS CURRENT PROGRAMS BARRIERS RECOMMENDATIONS WAY FORWARD INTRODUCTION Definition of media: The transmission and enhancement of ideas and information from one person to the next. We recognize that the dominant media has been used largely to portray negative images of Afrikans and Afrikan Descendants at home and abroad in news stories, advertisement, film, and all forms of general media. We also acknowledge that Afrikans and Afrikan Descendants have little influence over the media and often lack access to it on a consistent basis. Furthermore, Afrikans and Afrikan Descendants do not operate on a competitive influential scale regarding the types of reporting that is essential to healthy perceptions of self and people. We acknowledge that the media has been used to spread racial discrimination and xenophobia. As a result we recommend that a list of priorities be implemented by the new Afrikans and Afrikan Descendants organization (Global Afrikan Congress). PRIORITY AREAS Priority 1: Create media independence in the areas of information content, distribution, production and network media institutions that reflect the policies and procedures of Afrikan people. Priority 2: Develop media literacy programs for the purposes of invigorating and revitalizing the Afrikan consciousness. Emphasis should be placed on the quality and quantity of information sent out, and on the ability to decode the images of Afrikans in the mass media and advertising media through workshops and monitoring. Priority 3: Create Afrikan media watch dog groups. (i.e. CEMOTAP in USA) Priority 4: Consolidate liaisons between Afrika and the Afrikan Diaspora, with emphasis on linking back to Afrika. Priority 5: Lobby and penetrate existing organizations (public and private) on issues of pertinence to Afrikan people. Priority 6: Boycott media that is biased towards Afrikans, with a special focus on unnecessarily violent, offensive and pejorative propaganda. Priority 7: Empower Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and civil society to pressure state and non-state institutions to implement legislation that will enhance objective reporting on the issues of Afrikans; in fact, giving a voice to the voiceless. CURRENT PROGRAMS We understand that the work currently done is not enough to cater to the concerns and realities of Afrikans and Afrikan Descendants. We see a need for the inception of a media organization that will be the voice of Afrika and work for the development of Afrikans. For example, in Barbados, a working group, in conjunction with Amete Selassie, is currently producing children's programs and concert events. In the USA Dr. Marilyn Kern-Foxworth and Freedom Williams, in lieu of the Afrikans and Afrikan Descendants World Conference Against Racism, have agreed to support each other in the publishing of their recent manuscripts on racism. Renée Dan and Omowale Ru Pert em Hru from Galaxy Radio in London, as well as Herb Boyd from The Black World Today in New York City have agreed to use their resources to facilitate the above mentioned priorities. Desire Timngum from South Afrika, who produces television shows, is also complacent in these endeavours. There are several others in many fields who are invaluable to the success of this conference who graciously agreed to be called upon in tandem. RECOMMENDATIONS We propose the creation of a multi-media institution (comprising radio, television, newspapers and the Internet) for Afrikan people and the formation of Afrikan media coalitions all over the world. A multimedia coalition composed of participants in the Media Working Group will focus on the specific issues outlined in this report, which will be further distributed throughout the regions. We also advocate for increased film production to teach the younger generation about their history and about Black consciousness. The Media Working Group has further committed itself to becoming the press attaché for the Afrikans and Afrikan Descendants WCAR. BARRIERS & STRATEGIES BARRIERS: Geographical, political, financial, language, gender, ideological, generational gaps and, of course, racism. STRATEGIES: There is a need for continuous reporting in different Afrikan languages to Afrikan people on the Continent and in the Diaspora. Continuous organizing of conferences and follow-up meetings also need to take place at local, national, regional and global levels. Entities should be encouraged to develop fund raising campaign strategies and to write funding proposals. Sponsors and advertisers who are in tune with the mission statement of liberation of all oppressed peoples must be identified. Tantamount to this is a boycott of organizations that exploit and profit from the wealth of underprivileged people everywhere. Individuals or groups who have demonstrated a willingness to fight racism in the media, wherever it may be, must be properly acknowledged. WAY FORWARD REGIONAL CAUCUSES Delegates in the Media Working Group of the Barbados Conference will be in compliance with the recommendations set forth in this agenda within their respective regions. OUTCOMES We envision an Afrikan media organization that will reflect the thoughts and realities of Afrikan people. We envision media organizations that will fight for the liberation of the Afrikan mind; A media institution that will help in the development of the Afrikan continent in all the conference themes, and a media group that will serve as a source for conflict resolution, and speak truth to power. ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS a. Include media literacy components into the body of the Education Working Group b. Include an objective to build greater coalitions within already existing media outlets. To actively engage said institutions in the practice of hiring more Afrikan media employees, while promoting said employees into upper management and decision making positions c. Create an Afrikan centred language and style guide relevant to the needs of Afrikans and Afrikan Descendants d. Establish a database archiving positive images and alternative accounts of media images, personalities, stories, and criticisms, relevant to topics outlined in this report e. Pay greater attention to the inclusion of Caribbean voices within the Afrikan Diaspora media network Back to Working Group Reports _________________________________ Please direct questions or comments to website@globalafrikancongress.com Copyright © Afrikans and Afrikan Descendants World Conference Against Racism 2003. All Rights Reserved.