“Amplifying Access to Knowledge in AI Economies"
The African Media Resource Centre (AMRC) pioneers the future of media with first ever Fireside Master Class on Blockchain Technology. The event, which took place on March 1st, 2023, in Johannesburg, South Africa, is the first of its kind in the country and offers African journalists, freelancers, and writers an opportunity to learn about the potential applications of blockchain in media and explore innovation opportunities.
The AMRC, a not-for-profit organization committed to advancing media knowledge and training, hosted the Master Class in partnership with the Africa Blockchain Centre (ABC) and Cryptsense Digital Media Group. The event was designed as a pilot for a limited number of participants, offering insights into how blockchain technologies can transform economies, provide better social impact solutions, and enable media production, distribution, and consumption.
According to a report by the African Blockchain Alliance, there is a lack of awareness of blockchain in Africa, with many people still associating it solely with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. This lack of knowledge and understanding can limit the potential of African media practitioners to innovate and adopt new technologies, potentially putting them at a disadvantage compared to their international peers.
The AMRC's Master Class on Blockchain Technology is a significant step towards addressing this issue, offering first-hand access to cutting-edge insights and practical applications of the technology. Participants will learn from leading experts in the field, including African experts in Blockchain technology and Jeff Mkungusi, Co-Founder of the Africa Blockchain Centre.
The AMRC's commitment to building a skilled and knowledgeable workforce equipped to report on and analyse complex issues, encouraging collaboration and innovation, and advocating for press freedom and supporting media is commendable. The organization's ongoing efforts to advance media knowledge and training in Africa demonstrates its dedication to creating an enabling environment for a robust free press across the continent.
The Fireside Master Class on Blockchain Technology is just one example of the AMRC's capacity building efforts. By providing training and development opportunities for journalists, freelancers, bloggers, vloggers, writers, and content producers, the AMRC is helping to build a skilled and knowledgeable workforce that is equipped to report on and analyse complex issues. The organization also brings together media professionals from different sectors and regions, encouraging collaboration and facilitating the exchange of ideas and best practices.
Innovation and experimentation are also a key focus for the AMRC. By promoting emerging technologies such as blockchain and AI, the organization aims to encourage media practitioners to experiment with new ways of creating, distributing, and monetizing content. This allows for the development of new revenue streams and business models for media organizations, enabling them to operate more sustainably.
‘The Fireside Master Class on Blockchain Technology is a unique opportunity for African journalists, freelancers, and writers to learn about the potential of blockchain in media and explore innovation opportunities. By participating in this event, they can position themselves as early adopters and innovators in the blockchain space, potentially leading to new business opportunities and competitive advantages. We hope to replicate the model and scale in South Africa and across markets and look forward to enablers and partners who we can collaborate with says,” Vanessa Perumal director of the AMRC.
“Overall, the education and training of African writers in Web3 and Blockchain technology is a worthwhile endeavour that can help to unlock new opportunities and create a more vibrant and innovative literary scene in Africa and beyond. The AMRC's ongoing commitment to advancing media knowledge and training in Africa is vital to creating an enabling environment for a robust free press across the continent.” says Perumal.
The AMRC is inviting partners to join them in advancing the media industry through innovative initiatives as the Fireside Master Class on Blockchain Technology. “Your support will help us expand access to knowledge and create more opportunities for journalists, freelancers, and content creators across the continent”, says Perumal.
For Media interviews contact JT Comms on Media@jtcomms.co.za or (011) 788 7632
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on behalf of African Media Resource Centre (AMRC)
