Broadcasting
Paradigm Initiative Opens Application for Scriptwriters and Movie Producers for Fifth Short Film Production
Paradigm Initiative (PIN) has launched calls for the production of its fifth short film, aimed at amplifying digital rights and inclusion awareness in Africa. Paradigm Initiative, a non-profit organisation that shapes policy, defends rights and builds capacity in the digital environment towards a digitally inclusive and rights-respecting world, produces an annual report on digital rights and inclusion in Africa, Londa.
The organisation is seeking talented scriptwriters and producers for its fifth short film, which will be based on the 2023 report on digital rights and inclusion in Africa, Londa. Through its calls, PIN seeks to enhance the quality of its output, offering distinct opportunities for creative minds to contribute to the cause.
Scriptwriters are invited to submit a synopsis and full script inspired by the Londa 2023 report. The report, which documents digital rights challenges and advancements across Africa, offers rich material for storytelling that can resonate with our broad audience. Submissions should provide narratives that bring the crucial issues highlighted in the Londa report to life, contributing to PIN’s mission of promoting digital rights on the continent.
Simultaneously, PIN is calling on experienced movie producers to take these scripts from page to screen. Producers will be selected based on their ability to translate the written word into powerful visual stories that align with PIN’s objectives. This initiative offers a chance for producers to collaborate with top scriptwriters, bringing together expertise from different fields to create a film that makes a lasting impact.
All submissions, including synopses, scripts, and production proposals, must be based on the themes and findings of the Londa 2023 Report. Entries for both calls should be submitted via the PIN website ensuring a streamlined and efficient process for all participants.
For four years in a row, PIN has produced captivating short films inspired by the Londa reports, as a means to raise awareness of digital rights and inclusion in Africa. The fourth short film, Undersight, which is the latest in PIN’s stable, is inspired by the 2022 Londa Report that summarises the state of digital rights and inclusion in 24 African countries. The movie follows the journey of Omar, a brilliant Computer Programmer who creates revolutionary data collation software, which is in high demand.
The other short films released by the organisation are Training Day, Focus and Finding Diana.
Training Day, the first of the short films, is based on the organisation’s 2019 Digital Rights in Africa report. It features the story of Jude, whose job hunting seems to have been proved fruitful only for his first day of work to take an unprecedented turn, leaving him in a deep moral dilemma.
Focus tells the story of Mark, a budding young man who works for an enterprise facilitating financial payment across Africa. Caught up in his bubble with little to no attention to the situation around him, he soon experiences first-hand the dark side of internet shutdowns, censorship, surveillance, and cyberattacks. The short film is inspired by the 2020 Londa report.
Based on the findings of the Londa 2021 report, Finding Diana is about Aisha Coker, a 28-year-old journalist who stumbled upon the ambition of powerful individuals leveraging data interception and aggregation for selfish purposes, In her quest for a better society, Aisha is intent on exposing the truth, a move that would put her life in danger.
Screened at various events and platforms, PIN’s short films have received extensive feedback from viewers who have cited the creativity, relevance, and impact they possess. The short films have also received multiple accolades and awards, with the latest being a Bronze recognition for Finding Diana at the 2023 Summit Creative Awards.
Women Radio 97.1, in partnership with the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) and the Voice of Women Empowerment Foundation, has made history by unveiling “NIM”, Nigeria’s first Women Radio Intelligent Virtual Assistant.’
The unveiling took place during the 2024 Women Radio Summit, signalling a transformative era for radio broadcasting in Nigeria.
The initiative, which integrates artificial intelligence into traditional radio broadcasting, represents a paradigm shift in how radio content is created, distributed, and consumed. In her welcome message, Toun Okewale Sonaiya, CEO of Women Radio 97.1, shares her aims to inspire others into AI’s future, expand access to reliable information, and enhance the listener experience by blending advanced technology with human-centred communication.
The event featured some keynote speeches from:
Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, founder of Rise Network, emphasised the role of science and technology in empowering women and reshaping media landscapes.
Adedeji Adekunle, programmes director of the Nigeria Media Innovation Program, discussed the critical intersection of AI, innovation, and media development in Nigeria. As well as
Sam Onigbanjo, managing director of AI Academy for Beginners, enumerates ways to upskill for maximum integration.
The summit featured an insightful panel discussion on how artificial intelligence can enhance journalism and broadcasting while upholding ethics and professionalism. Esteemed panellists included:
Motunrayo Alaka, executive director of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, stressed the need for maintaining ethical standards in AI-driven journalism.
Kayode Okikiolu, a Channels TV anchor, discussed the integration of AI in traditional media formats to engage broader audiences and highlighted AI’s potential in diversifying content delivery and improving inclusivity in media.
A highly recommended fact-checking resource was the Dubawa.ai chatbot, an app that was showcased at the summit to verify and debunk misinformation, analyse, transcribe, and document files in archives. It is the radio monitoring feature, an initiative of the Centre for Investigative Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID).
‘NIMI’, the Women Radio Intelligent Virtual Assistant, is the brainchild of technical engineer Tayo Kalejaiye.
This revolutionary AI radio host is designed to provide seamless interactions with listeners, offering valuable resources, news updates, and support for both on-air and online delivery. By combining AI with traditional broadcasting, ‘NIMI’ aims to enhance accessibility, ensuring that diverse voices are amplified and underserved communities are reached.
QNET, a global wellness and lifestyle company, proudly celebrates the remarkable achievement of Anup Debnath, a 51-year-old fitness enthusiast, ardent user of QNET products, and resident of New Jersey, USA, who recently attempted to set a Guinness World Record as the oldest person to perform continuous back handsprings.
Debnath’s feat underscores the power of balanced health and wellness to maintain peak physical performance at any stage of life.
On October 19th, at the Marlboro Township Recreation Center, Debnath completed 20 continuous back handsprings, a remarkable testament to his strength, stamina, and unwavering discipline.
His journey back into gymnastics after nearly 27 years highlights the potential of a balanced lifestyle supported by QNET’s wellness products, demonstrating that age is no barrier to achieving extraordinary physical goals.
“To accomplish something like this at my age takes intense dedication, a consistent fitness regimen, and harmony of mind, body, and spirit,” Debnath shared.
“For the past two years, I’ve relied on the Amezcua Chi Pendant 4 with Amezcua Resonance Technology (ART) to keep me centered and energized.
Paired with other Amezcua products, like the Bio Disc 3, which energizes my food and structures the water I consume, giving me mental and physical balance, and the Bio Light 3, which aids in recovery by alleviating pain and discomfort after intense training, these products enhance my overall well-being and empower me to push my limits.”
QNET’s Chief Marketing Officer, Trevor Kuna, extended his heartfelt congratulations: “Anup’s achievement is extraordinary, and we are incredibly proud to have played a part in his journey.
“His belief in QNET’s Amezcua products reflects our mission—helping people achieve balance and wellness in every aspect of their lives.
“Anup’s story is a testament to discipline, resilience, and holistic well-being. We celebrate his inspiring feat and his commitment to greatness.”
QNET’s Amezcua Chi Pendant 4, which utilizes ART, is designed to support wearers in achieving holistic well-being by harmonizing physical, emotional, and mental energies.
Through Debnath’s achievement, QNET encourages individuals to explore how Amezcua technology can support their wellness journey at any stage in life, empowering them to achieve their own physical and mental potential.
House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to enforce a minimum capital base of N500 billion for electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to continue operations.
The lawmakers argue that only financially robust DisCos can ensure efficient service delivery and maximum consumer satisfaction.
This resolution was passed during Wednesday’s plenary following a motion by Ibrahim Isiaka, a representative from Ogun State.
Isiaka criticized the current operations of DisCos, describing their actions as a threat to the economic stability and welfare of Nigerians.
He highlighted consumer complaints regarding the replacement of electricity meters, noting that DisCos often demand additional payments despite consumers already financing the installation of meters.
Isiaka expressed concern over the financial burden this places on households and businesses struggling with economic challenges.
The motion also raised issues of consumer trust, alleging that DisCos operate with impunity and disregard for consumer rights, despite oversight from the regulatory authorities and the House Committee on Power.
The lawmakers unanimously adopted the motion through a voice vote conducted by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
They urged the Ministry of Power to take immediate steps to address the “reckless actions” of DisCos, labeling them as non-state actors threatening Nigeria’s economy.
The House further mandated the recapitalization of DisCos to a minimum of N500 billion, insisting that only financially capable operators should be allowed to continue providing electricity services.
Additionally, the House Committee on Power was directed to investigate the activities of DisCos to ensure accountability and protect consumer rights.
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