China, global media to ensure coherence in reports about Sino-world relations

There needs to be a unitary news and content exchange platform between China and the rest of the world to ensure coherence in reports about Sino-World relations. These were the sentiments echoed by the editorial manager of Namibia’s fastest growing online news agency

Current News Daily, Elvis Muraraganda.

While addressing a media forum of about 120 journalists, academics, diplomat and businessmen Mr Muraraganda said he has seen media outlets advancing antagonistic views towards China’s relations with Africa and the world. He said countless number of journalists have received training in China over the years and now is the right time to tell better Sino-Africa stories.

“China has contributed to the efforts of Africa in digital broadcasting, although there is still a need for improvement in the areas of signal quality, audio visual, training and retraining of African broadcasters to improve quality of reporting, especially on Sino-Africa relations,” Mr Muraraganda said. He stated that StarTimes media group is in the forefront of installing digital satellite television for 10,000 African villages giving them access to uptodate news content.

“The above is a clear indication of the commitment by our nations in improving media relations between organisations in China and those in Africa.” “And it remains key for Chinese and African media to embrace, own and enhance these relations for now and the future.”

He also suggested that media companies work on building trust amongst each other and engage in more truthful interactions.

Former South African diplomat turned academic Gert Grobler said cultural and media exchanges are vital in creating goodwill, mutual respect and understanding towards closer co-operation and a shared common destiny.

Mr Grobler said establishing dialogue, creating mutual respect and building relationships across cultures will assist in gaining the skills needed for individuals to contribute constructively as citizens and leaders to a more peaceful, stable and just world.

He said China is reaping the benefits of cultural co-operation with other countries through ever expanding friendships, partnership, mutual efforts and valuable initiatives.

“The result is that people to people and cultural co-operation is thriving at all government levels in China, with a multitude of partnership and co-operation agreements having been concluded not only on national level but also on provincial and city levels.”

The forum was organised by the Zhejiang Media Group and supported by the Information Office of the People’s Government of Zhejiang Province of which Hangzhou is the capital city.

During the four day event, participants also got the chance to visit and experience firsthand the rich history and culture of Zhejiang Province including its picturesque landscape and popular Hangzhou West Lake.

Last year the province raked in a total of 1103 billion yuan in tourism revenue from about 680 million local and overseas tourists.