“This ethical posture is all the more necessary since there is a new global reality of communication where, added to the historical imbalances between the media of the North and those of the South, the hegemony of the offer of contents of giant digital platforms”, noted the president of the Moroccan regulatory body, during a round table entitled “How to make diversity heard on the radio and in podcasts?”, as part of the Professional Show “ Paris Radio Show”, organized on February 6 and 7.
“The diversity of the world, with its different dimensions and expressions, is both under-represented and mis-represented in the global media space, which has become, due to the digital transformation of communication, the daily environment of all and of everyone, in the four corners of the world,” said Ms. Akharbach, quoted in a HACA press release.
She noted that strengthening the representation of international diversity in the media depends, among other things, on the capacity of all countries in terms of local media and cultural production. But it also calls, according to her, ”a change in posture on the part of the media in northern countries in terms of coverage and media monitoring of news in southern countries in general and in Africa in particular”.
In this regard, adds the press release, the president of the HACA indicated that ”without any prejudice to their editorial freedom and their right to criticism, the media in Western countries are required, in the very name of the principles to which they claim, to promote their knowledge of other cultures as well as the institutional and civilizational specificities of other countries, to avoid bias, double standards and stereotypical, superficial and sometimes sensational narratives.
Recalling the specific role of media regulators in the preservation and promotion of diversity, Ms. Akharbach underlined “the continued voluntarism and commitment of the HACA in favor of the consecration of a culture of otherness and vigilance in the face of the risks of cultural, ethnic, religious and geopolitical polarization.
These risks, she noted, “are multiplying and escalating dramatically in the global digital media space.”
Ms. Akharbach also noted that ”the deficit of inclusion, like the deficit of empathy and honesty of information, can lead to the antagonization of relationships between individuals and between countries and communities and endanger cohesion. social relations of countries and living together on an international scale.
Paris Radio Show is one of the main professional meetings dedicated to radio and digital audio in Europe. This year’s edition offered around fifty conferences around various themes: Radio and artificial intelligence, the podcast economy, the role of radio in media education, Francophonie and the media, DAB+ in Africa.
The HACA delegation to the ”Paris Radio Show” was also made up of Ali Bakkali Hassani, member of the High Council for Audiovisual Communication, Khalid Ouaryi, chief of staff of the president and Rachida El Fadel, senior manager at the department program monitoring.
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Ms. Latifa Akharbach, President of the Moroccan Regulatory Body (HACA)
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Ms. Akharbach. Your insights at the Paris Radio Show really resonated with many, especially concerning the representation of diversity in global media. To start, could you elaborate on what you mean by the “new global reality of communication”?
Ms. Akharbach: Thank you for having me. The new global reality of communication reflects a complex landscape where traditional media and digital platforms coexist. We are witnessing significant historic imbalances between media in the Global North—often dominating content production—and media in the Global South, which frequently find themselves underrepresented and misrepresented. This imbalance is exacerbated by the hegemony of large digital platforms that dictate what narratives deserve attention.
Time.news Editor: That’s a critical point. You mentioned that diversity is often under-represented and misrepresented. Can you provide examples of how this manifests in global media?
Ms. Akharbach: Absolutely. Take, for instance, the coverage of stories from Africa. Often, these stories are framed through a Western lens, focusing on negative news or crises, rather than showcasing the rich cultures, innovations, and everyday lives of people. This misrepresentation not only distorts perceptions but also leads to a lack of understanding and engagement with diverse narratives.
Time.news Editor: You also spoke about the role of local media and cultural production in strengthening representation. Can you delve into that a bit more?
Ms. Akharbach: Local media is crucial because it not only provides a voice to local populations but also generates content that reflects their realities, challenges, and triumphs. Countries in the Global South need support to build their local media capacities. This means investing in training, infrastructure, and resources to cultivate stories that emerge from within these communities, promoting an authentic representation of who they are.
Time.news Editor: That’s essential. In terms of expectations from media in the Global North, what changes in posture do you envision?
Ms. Akharbach: Media in Western countries must take a more proactive approach in understanding and integrating diverse cultural expressions in their coverage. They should not only report on global events but also seek to amplify voices from the South. This involves not only fairness in coverage but also promoting intercultural dialogue and acknowledging the unique contexts that shape these narratives. It’s about extending empathy and fostering genuine connections.
Time.news Editor: Can you speak to the balance between editorial freedom and the responsibility to promote global diversity?
Ms. Akharbach: Of course. Editorial freedom is a fundamental principle of journalism, and it should never be compromised. However, this freedom comes with the responsibility to act ethically and promote understanding. Media outlets should strive to inform and educate their audiences about different cultures. By doing so, they can enrich the public discourse and contribute to a more holistic view of our world.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Ms. Akharbach. This has been both enlightening and thought-provoking! As we navigate this new landscape, what gives you hope for the future of media representation?
Ms. Akharbach: I remain optimistic because there is a growing awareness of these issues. Initiatives aimed at supporting diverse voices are on the rise, and more journalists are advocating for equity in representation. The digital age, while challenging, also offers unprecedented opportunities for dialogue and collaboration across borders. As we engage in these conversations, my hope is that we can continue to shift the narrative toward inclusivity and respect for diversity.
Time.news Editor: That’s an inspiring note to end on! Thank you for sharing your expertise, Ms. Akharbach. We look forward to following your efforts in promoting more equitable representation in global media.
Ms. Akharbach: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure discussing these critical issues with you.