2023 MEDIA FREEDOM FESTIVAL: SHAPING TOMORROW’S MEDIA LANDSCAPE
Johannesburg, 3 October 2023 – As we celebrate our 30th year, Media Monitoring Africa is thrilled to announce the upcoming 2023 Media Freedom Festival, a ground-breaking event hosted in collaboration with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) and proudly sponsored by the German Embassy. Set to take place from October 18 to 20, 2023, at The Johannesburg Country Club in Auckland Park, this festival is poised to be a remarkable exploration of the evolving landscape of media freedom. The festival is an action-packed series of events that serve as an opportunity for us to ponder, probe and interrogate some of the key media-related issues of the moment. It is hosted every year to honour Black Wednesday (19 October).
The 2023 Media Freedom Festival unfolds over three enlightening days, each comprising both morning and evening sessions, ensuring a comprehensive examination of crucial topics.
Day 1 – Morning: “In the Digital Age: Do Children Still Care About the News?” Evening: “Media Freedom Will Survive, But Will Our Media?”
Day 1 kicks off with a captivating exploration of whether, in this digital age, the younger generation still holds a place for news in their lives. As the sun sets, we shift our focus to the pressing question of whether media freedom will endure in the face of ever-evolving challenges.
Day 2 – Morning: “AI Unleashed: Empowering Minds in the Age of Artificial Intelligence” Evening: “Online Harms in the Lead-up to Elections”
Day 2 brings a spotlight on the incredible possibilities of Artificial Intelligence and its impact on the media landscape during the morning session. As the day transitions into night, we delve into the critical issue of online harms and their influence on the integrity of electoral processes.
Day 3 – Morning: “Exploring the Legal Boundaries of Freedom of Expression: Hate Speech Workshop and Rate the Hate Challenge” Evening: “Would You Blow the Whistle?”
The final day, Day 3, commences with a deep dive into the legal dimensions of freedom of expression, featuring a hate speech workshop and the intriguing “Rate the Hate” challenge. The evening session confronts the moral dilemmas of whistleblowing, inviting thought-provoking discussions.
The festival boasts an impressive line-up of guest speakers, including experts, thought leaders, and industry professionals, ensuring a rich and diverse range of perspectives. Attendees can anticipate engaging discussions, enlightening workshops, and much more.
Spaces are really limited so hurry to secure your spot at this event, RSVP at Media Freedom Festival 2023.
Join us at the 2023 Media Freedom Festival for an unforgettable journey into the realms of media, technology, and expression. Be part of the conversation that shapes the future of journalism, information dissemination, and the ever-evolving world of media. We look forward to welcoming you to this enlightening and inspiring event!
For more information and media inquiries, please contact:
Nomshado Nkosinkulu, 011 788 12 778, nomshadol@mma.org.za
About Media Monitoring Africa (MMA):
Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) is a leading organisation dedicated to promoting ethical and fair journalism in South Africa. MMA actively monitors media coverage, advocates for human rights, and works to hold media outlets accountable for their reporting practices. Through research, advocacy, and engagement, MMA strives to create a more inclusive and equitable media landscape in South Africa.