Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (WAM)
The final session of day two of the Global Media Congress 2024, titled “The Imperative of Diversity in Media Production”, brought together Yi-Hwa, Jose Jimenez Fuentes and Viory Kevin Y. Brown.
Moderator Deniz Kilislioğlu set the stage by reflecting on the world’s population of over 8 billion people, noting that individuals seek representation in the media they consume. She highlighted how diverse narratives not only reflect human experiences but also drive empathy and inclusion.
Yi-Hwa Hanna shared insights from her career, recounting the challenges she faced in a homogenous working environment early on. As someone from a mixed cultural background, she emphasized that diversity in media production extends beyond race to include age, experience, and perspectives. She argued that teams with diverse backgrounds are better able to connect emotionally with audiences and create authentic content. She also highlighted the role of social media in giving a platform to underrepresented voices, making diversity more visible and celebrated in today’s digital world.
Jose Jimenez Fuentes addressed the linguistic and cultural complexities of working in a global media environment. With his organization operating in over 150 languages, he highlighted the importance of diversity not just as a priority but as a foundation of their work. He shared how collaborating with local journalists ensures authenticity and empowers communities by enabling them to tell their own stories. Fuentes stressed that diversity strengthens media production, particularly when it provides a voice to underrepresented groups, especially in the Global South.
Viory Kevin Y. Brown, drawing from his non-media background, emphasised the transformative power of diversity in driving creativity and progress. He highlighted the need to harmonise differences by focusing on shared goals rather than divisions. Brown defined inclusion as creating a sense of belonging where people feel valued and celebrated for their differences. Brown also pointed out that innovation often emerges from diverse perspectives and differences of opinion, which open doors to new opportunities.
The session highlighted how media organisations to prioritise authentic and inclusive storytelling that resonates with audiences worldwide, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and celebrated.
