Niaje EAST Festival
09.00 - 09.40
Get the EAST festival vibe with our daily kick-off led by our moderators in the three countries. Every morning they will set the ground to get you prepared for the day. Meet amazing guests, engage in mind-blowing conversations and be part of an immersive virtual experience.
Digital media entrepreneurship and technology in the 21st Century
09.40 - 10.20
Eager to learn about the technologies that East African media can leverage for storytelling, audience engagement and revenue generation? Then join Prof. Elijah Bitange Ndemo as he shares insights on how young media innovators from the region can access and capitalize on these opportunities. In this session, you will learn more about the nexus of technology and education and what needs to change in our educational system to ensure that no student is left behind.
Innovating for the 21st Century: Lessons from Media Innovators in EA: Lessons from Media Innovators in East Africa
10.20 - 11.20
Hundreds of journalists have recently lost their jobs in EAST Africa as media companies try to cope with the disruption and uncertainty amid the Covid crisis. But their struggle to redefine their role in a highly dynamic information ecosystem is not new and started long before the pandemic. However, it's not all doom and gloom. The EAST African media landscape is distinctively fascinating due to a whole new generation of storytellers and media entrepreneurs building a vibrant and optimistic future for journalism. Skilful, innovative minds share their ideas and lessons on building a new golden media age for EAST Africa in our inaugural session.
Break
11.20 - 11.30
Grab a cup of coffee
Journalists’ mental health during the pandemic Parallel Session 1
11.30 - 12.30
Amidst the pandemic, many journalists face challenges and issues that affect their working environment. Job losses, salary cuts, and reduced content production have taken a toll on the mental health of many reporters. In this session, you will meet journalists that have managed to thrive and succeed during the pandemic. They will share their strategies on how to survive the pandemic and excel in your work.
Disinformation Influencers for hire Parallel Session 2
11.30 - 12.30
Is it true or not? We all face the challenge of misinformation and disinformation, particularly when it comes to politics. Odanga Madung gives insights into a growing industry for paid political propaganda on social media. An investigation done for the Mozilla Foundation shows how influencers are hired to spread disinformation in Kenya.
Break
12.30 - 13.30
COVID-19 and journalism in East Africa: Impact on news Media Viability Parallel Session 1
13.30 - 14.30
How has the COVID-19 pandemic been covered by the media, and what impact has it had on news media viability? Moderated by an experienced journalist, this panel, featuring a seasoned media scholar and media viability training consultant, will discuss three papers on COVID-19 and data smog, solution journalism and coverage of COVID-19 against the backdrop of the risk of contagion.
What journalists can learn from TikTok Parallel Session 2
13.30-14.30
TikTok has overtaken Facebook as the world's most downloaded app. This session focuses on all you need to know to shine on the platform, from High-Density Content to Multi-Layered Storytelling. You will also learn how DW, Germany's International Broadcaster, uses TikTok to reach new audiences.
Lean Back
14.30-15.30
Community Hang Out. Recaps, Shoutouts and What's on Tomorrow!
Participants get a chance to speak and be seen as they give feedback.
Niaje EAST Festival
09.00 - 10.00
Get the EAST festival vibe with our daily kick-off led by our moderators in the three countries. Every morning they will set the ground to get you prepared for the day. Meet amazing guests, engage in mind-blowing conversations and be part of an immersive virtual experience.
Skilling Journalists of the Future
10.00 - 10.40
How should universities and training institutes best prepare students for the market as the media industry rapidly evolves? This session will bring together an academician, a media manager, and a journalism student from Uganda to understand journalism universities' challenges. Learn how curriculums and training institutes must pivot to nurture the next generation of journalists.
Break
10.40 - 10.50
Grab a cup of coffee
Journalism Curriculum for the Future
10.50 - 11.30
Guests worldwide will join panellists to "theorise" new topics that could form the journalism curriculum of the future. Under the clock, they must work together to design the new ideal journalism curriculum for East Africa. Join the Zoom conference and contribute to this 'race against time' to build a reform framework for the journalism sector.
Blogs, podcasts, vlogs and the rise of journalist-influencers Parallel Session 1
11.30 - 12.30
With the growth of internet accessibility and social media usage there has been an increase in the number of blogs, podcasts, vlogs and other informal media from individuals and institutions trying to address areas they don’t feel mainstream journalism is adequately addressing. This has led to a creator economy trend where individuals are commercializing their content on their own. This session will explore these trends and what opportunities they present.
The digital disruption and revenue models: Subscription models in Uganda, Video on Demand uptake in Kenya & radio revenues Parallel Session 2
11.30 - 12.30
In the wake of digital disruption, news media revenue has become a critical topic among media managers and researchers. This session will discuss the viability of paid subscriptions in Uganda, the uptake of Video on Demand (VOD) in Kenya and radio revenues.
Break
12.30 - 13.00
Solutions Journalism Parallel Session 1
13.00 - 14.00
The traditional theory of change of journalism has always been that journalists play their watchdog role, act as whistleblowers and expose evil. The assumption is that pointing out or exposing social problems will spur social change. However, experience has shown that it is not enough for journalists to simply uncover what is wrong and hope for society to change. Human nature and societies need credible responses to problems to cause or even hope for social change. Journalists must therefore do more than just play the WatchDog role but also be Guide Dogs to vigorously cover evidence based responses to social problems in their communities. This workshop will offer a deep dive into understanding solutions journalism, formats of SOJO and how to use SOJO to improve storytelling and challenge narratives.
13:00 - 14:00
Creative genius - Unpacking the storytelling of the future Parallel Session 2
What is the difference between a good story and a great story? The answer lies in combining what is of interest with what is truly important to your audience. But it's easier said than done. So what are content creators experimenting with, and what does it say about the current trends in storytelling? In this session, we dive into the world of exceptional and inspiring content creators from EAST Africa. Join the conversation about the trends shaping the future of storytelling.
14.00 - 15.00
New Tech, Gear, Platforms for New Media: What Journalists need to know Parallel Session 1
In a world of technology, what are the must-have gadgets for the 21st-century journalist? In this studio sit-down chat with a media-tech guru, we shall analyze new tech, gear, and platforms that journalists must invest in to create content for today and the future. Learn how to research, produce and publish stories on your mobile phone.
The use of cartoons to deliver information to the society Parallel Session 2
14.00 - 15.00
It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words. So how are cartoonists using graphics and technology to reach out to new audiences? And how has technology affected the use of cartoons and animations in information delivery. Do not miss this great opportunity to engage with cartoonists and animators to learn how they successfully engage their audience through their fantastic, creative, and imaginative work.
Lean Back: How to find the best talents?
15.00 - 15.30
Recaps, Shoutouts and What's on Tomorrow!
Participants get a chance to speak and be seen as they give feedback.
For the first time ever, Media Challenge Initiative (MCI) shares the secrets of the trade in what makes the Next-Gen-Journalist Program, a journalist/leader maker. In a riveting documentary reveals their talent development model and game-changing mentorship programme for developing the next generation of reporters.
Cartoon Exhibition and Cocktails (Social Event)
15.30 - and open end
A cocktail evening to celebrate the work of cartoonists in East Africa as they exhibit some of their top 5 works published on COVID-19.
Niaje EAST Festival
09.00 - 10.00
Get the EAST festival vibe with our daily kick-off led by our moderators in the three countries. Every morning they will set the ground to get you prepared for the day. Meet amazing guests, engage in mind-blowing conversations and be part of an immersive virtual experience.
Living stories - Immersive Journalism Parallel Session 1
10.00 - 11.00
Immersive journalism is. type of journalism, which uses immersive(VR/AR) technologies for production and dissemination of information. Unlike other platforms the news audience forms a direct impression of the ambience of the story. With initial projections leaning towards bringing in more interactivity into the media/news industry. With many newsrooms in the region shifting to digital;do these technologies have space adapted in African News rooms; are audience markets ready? and what kind of content do we see coming out of the region?
Panelists Tulanana (TZ) Brian (KE) and Gerald (UG) will share their insights from the region and discuss possibilities for the future of Immersive journalism in the region.
Data journalism - How can you use data to create new ways of storytelling? Parallel Session 2
10.00 - 11.00
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that data journalism is not a niche discipline anymore. Data is critical and necessary to break down complex stories. In this panel, leading experts on data journalism in EAST Africa give insights into how content creators can use data for compelling storytelling. They will also discuss the latest advances in the field. Learn how to access relevant public data and what is needed to become an outstanding data journalist.
Break
11.00 - 11.10
Grab a cup of coffee
Community powered journalism - How to build informed communities
11.10 - 12.15
One of the key pillars of Media Viability is building and sustaining an informed community. This panel discussion will show different innovative approaches and practical examples on successfully engaging with the community and what is needed to support and foster a constructive public dialogue. In addition, panelists will focus on how the media should address the specific needs of people in rural areas and how to ensure that their voices are heard.
Audience Development - tools, how to? Parallel Session 1
12.15 - 13.00
If you are struggling with developing proper audiences, you don't want to miss this session. Experts from different backgrounds will share with you different ways and tools that you can use to develop and grow a loyal audience.
TIP: Don't forget to prepare questions and situations you have faced in your work areas for clarifications during the session!
Break
13.00 - 14.00
Fake news, misinformation and disinformation in an evolving digital world Parallel Session 2
14.00 - 15.00
The traditional practices of ascertaining the truthfulness of news sources are now threatened by an evolving digital world and the attendant proliferation of fake news. This session present findings from empirical studies on fake news during campaigns and elections and disinformation during breaking news.
What media can learn from the innovation / tech / start-up scene across East Africa? Parallel Session 1
14.00 - 15.00
Media innovation has become a trending word. But what exactly does it mean? Get to learn from innovators with different backgrounds and tech-related experts with startup development backgrounds. In this panel session, you will learn new innovative approaches that journalists, content creators, and storytellers can improve within the media industry.
Perspective in the Media Industry and the role of women in the past, present and Future
15.00 -16.00
Learn, share and have an opportunity to discuss the development and growth of women in the media industry.
Are you interested to know what it takes to become a successful female media personality? Meet four different women in Tanzania's media industry to discuss issues regarding women in the news business. From the challenges they have faced to the solutions they took to get where they are now. Through the session, discover the challenges women face and ways to improve and support each other's growth in the sector.
Stories of Change: Citizen Journalists as agents of change in Tanzania
18.00 - 22.00
An Award ceremony by Jamii Forums to recognize Outstanding Tanzanian Citizen Journalists who have written Stories meant to drive change in Tanzania in social, economic, cultural, and political spheres. The awards act as a recognition of the efforts of citizens in creation of quality online content as well as promotion of the importance of online platforms in fueling change and development.
Niaje EAST Festival
09.00 - 10.00
Get the EAST festival vibe with our daily kick-off led by our moderators in the three countries. Every morning they will set the ground to get you prepared for the day. Meet amazing guests, engage in mind-blowing conversations and be part of an immersive virtual experience.
Innovate or die? The future of legacy media in East Africa
10.00 - 11.20
Big media houses have invested heavily to adapt to the new challenges of a rapidly changing information ecosystem. Paywalls and subscription models are now becoming a norm, but not without hurdles. At the same time, they need to rethink the distribution platforms for their content to avoid losing their audiences. What are the lessons they have learned so far, what are the challenges that remain unresolved? This panel discussion will showcase the most promising strategies of legacy media for digital transformation and asks the question: What is the innovation we need to make quality media sustainable?
Break
11.20 - 11.30
Grab a cup of coffee
Fact Checking Parallel Session 1
11.30 - 12.30
Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, the flood of mis-and disinformation targeting societies worldwide has made the need for fact-checking more imperative than ever before. In Africa, fact-checking has grown dramatically fueled by concerns about misleading information circulated on social media during the past years. In this fireside chat, we will tackle the challenges Africa is facing regarding “fake news”, how these impact the work of journalists, and how debunking false information works.
The art of podcasting. Parallel Session 2
11.30 - 12.30
Podcasts! Podcasts! Podcasts! How many times have you heard that word lately? Is podcasting the "new radio"? And is it a viable venture? Join us in this session to uncover the how to's of podcasting and the potential it holds for reaching audiences. You will receive practical tips on creating podcasts and how you can use them to increase your audience.
Media Futures Research Team present research agenda, publications so far and the research products to look out for
12.30 - 13.30
Don't miss out on this very insightful discussion as the Media Futures Research Team presents research agenda and various products on Innovation for Media Viability in East Africa. First, accompany graduate students as they take us through research findings on fake news and misinformation. Then, debate the implications of these findings on the industry, practitioners, media educators, innovators and the media landscape.
Break
13.30 - 13.45
Grab a cup of coffee
Why does ethical storytelling matter?
13.45 - 14.00
Africa - the continent of conflict, crisis, poverty, illness, failing democracy and corruption. Where do all these harmful and often stereotypical narratives about Africa originate? And what could an ethical approach to African storytelling look like? How can we tell authentic African stories that the East African region, the continent and all of us should be listening to? In this keynote, Natasha Kimani, Strategy & Research Lead of ‘Africa No Filter’, shares her insights and thoughts on how we can change outdated and biased images of the African continent and open ourselves for diverse, authentic and new surprising stories.
How to write ethically about Africa
14.00 - 15.00
Are you genuinely neutral, objective and unbiased in your storytelling? This panel discussion will pick up on how to overcome unethical storytelling. It will invite you on a journey to analyse your own beliefs and attitudes and your professional expertise and experiences. Brace yourself! Because it may reveal prejudices and assumptions, you did now even know you had at all, pushing you right out of your comfort zone. Come along!
Closing
15.00
