Media Diversity Institute

05/06/2026

Environmental reporting often turns to officials, scientists and institutions first. But what happens when the communities living through environmental change are treated as an afterthought?

In his latest article for MDI, journalist Fredrick Mugira argues that environmental reporting across Africa too often relies on officials, institutions and experts while overlooking the communities living through environmental change every day.

The article explores how local knowledge, Indigenous perspectives, and the experiences of marginalised communities are frequently absent from climate and environmental coverage, despite being essential to understanding what is happening on the ground.

As environmental crises deepen, ensuring those most affected are heard is not just a question of representation. It is a question of better journalism.

Read the full article on our website.

By Fredrick Mugira Vincent Ayebare has spent more than a decade operating a boda boda—a commercial motorcycle taxi—in Mbarara City, …

02/06/2026

FORGOTTEN VOICES OF CONFLICT

Our latest article highlights the experiences of communities affected by the conflict in Cameroon’s North-West and South-West regions, voices that are often absent from international coverage.

Written by a Cameroonian journalist whose name has been withheld for safety reasons, the article argues that reporting on the crisis is too often shaped by official narratives and remote analysis, while local journalists and civilians living through the conflict remain unheard.

The piece explores the colonial legacy behind the crisis, the challenges facing Anglophone communities, the risks journalists face reporting on the ground, and the consequences of media invisibility.

As the author writes: “The role of journalism is not to simplify chaos from a distance, but to listen to those who have touched the truth on the ground and paid for it with their blood.”

Read the full article here: https://www.media-diversity.org/cameroons-conflict-the-tragedy-of-remote-journalism-and-forgotten-voices/

27/05/2026

As Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha, calls for tolerance and respect are being made across the globe.

There are also reminders that anti-Muslim rhetoric, especially in the media and online, can lead to increased discrimination, psychological harm and hate crimes.

14/05/2026

What are the challenges of representing diversity through art, especially online?

In our latest article, Christiana Warne talks to artist Hannah Gillingham about reaching audiences with art that celebrates diversity.

Read the story: https://www.media-diversity.org/art-in-media-portrayal-or-betrayal/

13/05/2026

has long presented itself as a symbol of unity, inclusion and shared culture.

But this year’s contest arrives under growing scrutiny.

Several countries have withdrawn over Israel’s continued participation. More than 1,100 artists have backed boycott calls. Alternative cultural events and protests are also taking place across Europe.

MDI’s Noura Kaddaoui examines how Eurovision’s “apolitical” positioning is being challenged, what the boycott reveals about public culture and representation, and why many argue Palestinian voices remain absent from the conversation.

Read: “United by Music, Divided by Absence” on our website (link in bio)

07/05/2026

With attention on press freedom across the globe this week, in our latest article we explore the situation in Africa. Conflicts and pressure are accelerating the decline of press freedom on the continent. What does it mean for media diversity and inclusion?
Read the story: https://www.media-diversity.org/impact-of-political-and-cultural-barriers-on-media-diversity-and-inclusion-in-africa/

03/05/2026

Media diversity missing on : pilot five-country South America media diversity index launch reveals the damage done in Argentina

Media freedom does not guarantee media diversity and inclusion, according to the latest Media Diversity Index released by the Media Diversity Institute Research Centre.

The 2026 South America pilot study assesses media content and governance across five countries. Argentina ranked last, while Uruguay and Colombia secured the top positions.

The report highlights how systems in Argentina that previously guaranteed inclusiveness in media and communications have been dismantled since Javier Milei’s election at the end of 2023.

“Freedom creates the possibility of inclusion. It doesn’t guarantee it. Whether diverse voices are actually heard depends on deeper structural issues such as ownership, inequality, and access,” said Milica Pesic, Executive Director of the Media Diversity Institute.

The Index also compares South American findings with those of previous pilot studies across Europe and the UK and brings together contributions from researchers and academics across the region and beyond, including:
🔸 Ingrid Bachmann, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
🔸 Ana Bizberge, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú - PUCP
🔸 Daniel Rodriguez Aguilar, Universidad Externado de Colombia
🔸 Facundo Franco, Universidad de la República Uruguay
🔸 Enrique Uribe-Jongbloed, Universidad Externado de Colombia
🔸 Jorge Acevedo Rojas, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú
🔸 Martín Martínez Puga, Universidad de Buenos Aires
🔸 Naomi Sakr, University of Westminster

Read the full report: https://www.media-diversity.org/research-centre/

30/04/2026

Noura Kaddaoui, an intern with MDI Global, contributed to discussions on key themes affecting youth at the European Youth Week 2026 at the European Parliament.

“Throughout the event, there was a strong focus on the importance of creating spaces where young people can engage directly with policy and contribute to conversations that shape our future."

Discussions included the current EU Youth Strategy, the history and decline of democracy, social inclusion, and how programmes such as Erasmus+ can become more accessible and inclusive for all young people.

"The discussions highlighted the need to bridge the gap between young people and policy, ensuring that youth perspectives are not only heard but also meaningfully included in decision-making processes.”

23/04/2026

Could the media and minorities be the big winners of recent Hungarian elections that ended the 16-year rule of Viktor Orban?

The prime minister-elect is vowing to restore independence to the media which was dominated by pro-government outlets.

In our latest article, Noura Kaddaoui examines how the media covered the election and issues related to minority groups and asks whether simply changing the narrative will usher in a new era for media and diversity.

Read the article: https://www.media-diversity.org/a-new-spring-for-hungary-why-the-end-of-orban-narrative-may-be-too-simple/

23/04/2026

Could the media and minorities be the big winners of recent Hungarian elections that ended the 16-year rule of Viktor Orban?

The prime minister-elect is vowing to restore independence to the media which was dominated by pro-government outlets.

In our latest article, Noura Kaddaoui examines how the media covered the election and issues related to minority groups and asks whether simply changing the narrative will usher in a new era for media and diversity.

Read the story: https://www.media-diversity.org/a-new-spring-for-hungary-why-the-end-of-orban-narrative-may-be-too-simple/