The BBC World Service is set to host its “Future of Journalism Festival” in Nairobi this Thursday and Friday, marking a significant convergence of media professionals, students, and digital creators. Hosted by renowned presenter Myra Anubi, the two-day event aims to address the tumultuous state of modern media, which is currently being reshaped by the rapid proliferation of artificial intelligence, the ubiquity of social media, and the persistent challenge of misinformation. By offering a series of panel discussions, practical workshops, and a live recording of the popular podcast People Fixing the World, the festival seeks to provide participants with the essential tools required to navigate an increasingly complex information landscape while working to restore public trust in journalistic institutions.
A central pillar of the festival is the promotion of “solutions journalism,” an editorial strategy that shifts the narrative focus from merely documenting societal problems to rigorously analyzing how communities and institutions are actively resolving them. Speaking on Capital FM’s The Fuse, Anubi outlined the four foundational principles of this approach: clearly defining a societal challenge, explaining the mechanics of a specific response, evaluating evidence of its success, and transparently discussing its limitations. This framework is designed to move beyond the traditional “doom and gloom” style of reporting, encouraging a more constructive and accountable form of journalism that highlights what actually works in the real world.
Addressing the anxiety surrounding the rise of artificial intelligence, Anubi emphasized that the news industry is historically resilient and has successfully navigated technological shifts for two millennia. While acknowledging the current disruption, she argued that journalism is not dying but evolving, and that the profession must proactively adapt to these new tools rather than fearing them. By viewing this period as yet another transformation in the long arc of media history, Anubi believes practitioners can “get ahead” of the changes, ensuring that the core tenets of truthful reporting remain intact regardless of the technological delivery system.
A major focus of the discourse is the shared responsibility of audiences in curbing the spread of misinformation—a task that Anubi stressed cannot be left to journalists alone. She urged the public to act as a final line of defense against falsehoods by verifying information through established, credible organizations before sharing it across social media platforms. According to Anubi, the distinction between professional content and online noise lies in the ethical standards and accountability mechanisms that legacy media outlets maintain, making these institutions indispensable in an era where unverified content often spreads faster than verified evidence.
For the next generation of storytellers and content creators who fear that AI is shrinking job prospects, Anubi offered a message of empowerment rather than apprehension. She encouraged aspiring journalists to leverage the accessibility of modern digital tools to build their own platforms, effectively bypassing traditional industry gatekeepers. By urging young people to create their own podcasts and content channels, she underscored the importance of self-reliance, noting that in the current digital age, the opportunity to influence public opinion is no longer exclusively held by those who possess formal institutional access.
Ultimately, the festival serves as a high-profile initiative to reinforce the vital role of ethical journalism in helping communities make informed, meaningful decisions. The event will culminate in a live production of People Fixing the World, offering attendees a rare, first-hand look at the complexities of producing international, evidence-based storytelling. By fostering a dialogue between the media and the public, the BBC World Service aims to ensure that despite the constant evolution of the information ecosystem, the fundamental value of trusted, verified, and transparent reporting remains the bedrock of a healthy society.