“The Cost of Media Stereotypes to Africa: The Relationship Between Media, Investment, and Economic Development” is a report produced by the non-profit “Africa No Filter,” and published in October 2024.
The report investigates the economic impact of persistent negative stereotypes in global media coverage of Africa, specifically examining how biased reporting influences investor perceptions and financial flows into the continent.
I liken this to recent US reports, including from UCLA and McKinsey, that show how the lack of diversity in film and TV costs the industry billions in lost revenue opportunities every year.
Money tends to be a powerful motivator. When social issues are framed in terms of financial impact, businesses and stakeholders often become more invested in addressing them.
To be sure, this is about media reporting specifically. However, whether in news, TV, or film, the underlying principle about storytelling’s influence on behavior applies across all forms.
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