Chris Infotainment

Addressing Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence Through Training More than 25 journalists and social media influencers recently completed a three-day training in Kigali focused on technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV). This issue is becoming increasingly relevant as internet usage continues to rise across the country. The workshop, organized by the Health Development Initiative (HDI), aimed to enhance participants’ ability to identify, prevent, and report on TFGBV using ethical and gender-sensitive communication methods. Annonciata Mukayitete, Senior Programme Officer for Gender Equality and Social Inclusion at HDI, highlighted that the training was created to address a problem that has often been overlooked in Rwanda. She explained that while TFGBV may seem like a new concept, it is part of the broader issue of gender-based violence, but one that is exacerbated by technology. “Online violence takes various forms. It’s a global issue, and Rwanda is not immune t...

A Legacy of Resistance and Inspiration In a quiet room in São Paulo, Brazil, 30 students sat in silence as they watched images of B-52 bombers destroying villages and children suffering from napalm burns. These were not just any images; they were powerful visual testimonies of the Vietnam War, captured and shared by the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam to expose the brutal realities of U.S. military actions. This moment was part of a larger movement led by journalist Pedro de Oliveira, who dedicated over five decades to highlighting the struggles of Vietnam and its people. Pedro, now 77, recalls the secret film screenings he conducted more than 50 years ago. He describes the scenes as “horrifying,” emphasizing that the group could not remain silent in the face of such injustice. Using small cinemas across Brazil, he and his friends aimed to educate students about the atrocities committed during the war and challenge the narrative surrounding U.S. involvement. A Life of Act...

The Democratic Party’s Push for Media Reform The Democratic Party in South Korea is proposing amendments to the Press Arbitration Act, aiming to introduce punitive damages for media reports that are deemed false or malicious. This move has sparked significant debate among lawmakers, media professionals, and civil society groups. Rep. Choi Min-hee, a member of the Democratic Party, highlighted this initiative on her Facebook page, stating, “A punitive damages ruling exceeding 90 billion Korean won was issued in the U.S. for false fabricated reporting.” She further explained, “This is what punitive damages should look like.” Choi emphasized that the proposed changes would allow for compensation at multiple times the actual damages. She pointed to a recent U.S. court ruling where Newsmax, a U.S. cable network known for promoting election fraud conspiracy theories, was ordered to pay Dominion Voting Systems approximately $67 million (around 93 billion Korean won) in defamation damages. ...

Expanding Digital Horizons: Sindh Government and Google Collaborate on IT and Journalism Initiatives The Sindh government has taken a significant step forward in the realm of digital education and media development by signing two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Google. These agreements aim to enhance the Peoples IT Program (PITP) and introduce a new initiative focused on digital journalism. The event, held in Karachi, was presided over by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah. A Focus on IT Education and Skill Development During the ceremony, the Chief Minister emphasized the accomplishments of the PITP, which has already enabled thousands of students to gain globally recognized IT skills. Over 4,300 graduates have contributed to various economic activities, showcasing the program's impact on the local workforce. He highlighted that women’s participation and rural representation remain key pillars of the program's success. The launch of PITP-II marks an expansion of ...

A Decade of Excellence in Journalism The Center for Excellence in Journalism (CEJ) at IBA marked its 10th anniversary with a special event titled 'A Decade of Excellence,' held at the JS Auditorium, City Campus. This celebration brought together prominent journalists, media professionals, academics, diplomats, and students to honor the center's significant contributions to ethical, innovative, and impactful journalism in Pakistan. Dr. S Akbar Zaidi, Executive Director of IBA Karachi, highlighted the importance of IBA-CEJ in both academic and media practices. He expressed appreciation for the continued support from the U.S. Consulate in Karachi. Reflecting on the past decade, he pointed out the rise of Artificial Intelligence and stressed the need to reassess the state of journalism in Pakistan. He hoped this milestone would foster meaningful dialogue between democracy and journalism, benefiting the public and the nation as a whole. Mr. Scott Urbom, U.S. Consul General in...

A New Era in Media Access for African Football The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has taken a significant step forward in the realm of media services by introducing Remote Simultaneous Interpretation (RSI). This innovative technology was first deployed during press conferences at the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN), PAMOJA 2024, marking a milestone in the organization’s efforts to enhance accessibility and inclusivity. For the first time in CAF's history, and among the few global sports organizations to implement such a system, journalists attending the event across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda have been able to access real-time audio interpretation using their own mobile devices. This eliminates the need for traditional bulky headsets or receivers, making the process more efficient and user-friendly. How It Works Journalists participating in press conferences receive a QR code that grants them access to live interpretation. Using their personal ...

Combating Fake News: A Multi-Faceted Approach The Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry has launched a comprehensive initiative to address the spread of fake news and disinformation, particularly concerning the Thai-Cambodian border conflict. This effort involves collaboration with various platforms to detect and remove false information within a strict three-hour window, following the identification of 1.1 billion suspected cases of online misinformation over the past five years. New Measures to Counter Disinformation In response to growing concerns about the impact of fake news on public perception and social stability, the DES Ministry has implemented new strategies to combat misinformation. These measures were discussed during a high-level meeting of the Committee for Monitoring and Analysing Social Media News, where key stakeholders came together to address the issue. During the meeting, Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong emphasized the importance of cooperation between th...