Diaspora Media and Citizen Engagement in the Digital Age Principles, Practices, and Perspectives By Uchenna Ekwo, Ph.D.

Introduction How indispensable is journalism? William Taft’s anecdote to explain value of journalism Who are the diasporas? migrants, refugees, sojourners, exiles, expatriates and especially all the people who are living outside their actual or imagined homelands.

Globalization, Immigration, Advocacy, and the Media The media reflects the cultural diversity of different peoples of the world in terms of preferences, attitudes, and beliefs. Globalization, migration, and increased media consumption and communication technologies help to understand the shifting mediascape of communication among diaspora communities, their homelands, and countries of settlement. The creation and dissemination of media content across national boundaries fosters a world without borders. Governance activities dominate the media content of most diaspora media outlets especially homeland politics

State of Diaspora Media in the United States Diaspora or ethnic media organizations are growing in numbers. Over 60% of Americans source their news from Diaspora/Ethnic Media Reasons for the increase: Increased migration; marginalization; digitization of information

The Future of Diaspora Media Ability of practitioners to cope with responsibilities and challenges of the digital era Media literacy “Tribalization of cultural consumption” State of the economy: advertising, circulation, and innovation

Summary and Conclusion Diaspora media should be able to fully inform its audience on global issues by providing them with alternative and diverse views and perspectives. Diaspora media organizations are likely to develop more cultural and emotional intelligence thereby eliminating stereotypes that cloud clear vision. Diaspora media outlets need skills such as effective communication, empathy, collaboration, and trust building. Environmental scanning