In today’s climate of instantaneous information transfer, ensuring the credibility of the media is critical. An independent, socially responsible media sector can contribute to the healthy, balanced development of society and strengthening of corporate governance mechanisms. Whereas a weak media sector can reinforce social and economic inequity, impede development and fuel conflicts.
In the dynamic environment of East Africa and through the platform of Aga Khan University, Dean Michael Meyer and Dr Alex Awiti play a significant role in lending credibility to the media.
Michael Meyer, a former communications director for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, is Founding Dean of the Graduate School of Media and Communications at Aga Khan University in Nairobi. Prior to joining the United Nations, Michael Meyer spent 24 years as an editor and correspondent for Newsweek magazine. He brings his vast experience of global affairs and his analytical skills to the Aga Khan University, and writes regular columns for the Daily Nation and the New York Times.
Alex O. Awiti is a member of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at the Aga Khan University. He is also the Director of The East Africa Institute (EAI). The EAI’s mission is to provide a coherent and impartial evidence-based platform for policy formulation, decision-making and action. Prior to joining the Aga Khan University, Awiti was a postdoctoral fellow at the Earth Institute and adjunct professor at the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University in New York. Dr Awiti maintains an active blog (www.envidevpolicy.org) and is a columnist for the Star (a Nairobi daily) and the Economist on-line.
Both Dean Meyer and Dr Awiti provide evidence and research based opinions and articles on a range of contemporary topics including environment, agriculture, access to finance, public health, politics and economic development. Their commentary influences both public perceptions and government decisions. Through their engagement with the University, they are also imparting their knowledge and expertise to the next generation of Africans.
In today’s climate of instantaneous information transfer, ensuring the credibility of the media is critical. An independent, socially responsible media sector can contribute to the healthy, balanced development of society and strengthening of corporate governance mechanisms. Whereas a weak media sector can reinforce social and economic inequity, impede development and fuel conflicts.
In the dynamic environment of East Africa and through the platform of Aga Khan University, Dean Michael Meyer and Dr Alex Awiti play a significant role in lending credibility to the media.
Michael Meyer, a former communications director for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, is Founding Dean of the Graduate School of Media and Communications at Aga Khan University in Nairobi. Prior to joining the United Nations, Michael Meyer spent 24 years as an editor and correspondent for Newsweek magazine. He brings his vast experience of global affairs and his analytical skills to the Aga Khan University, and writes regular columns for the Daily Nation and the New York Times.
Alex O. Awiti is a member of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at the Aga Khan University. He is also the Director of The East Africa Institute (EAI). The EAI’s mission is to provide a coherent and impartial evidence-based platform for policy formulation, decision-making and action. Prior to joining the Aga Khan University, Awiti was a postdoctoral fellow at the Earth Institute and adjunct professor at the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University in New York. Dr Awiti maintains an active blog (www.envidevpolicy.org) and is a columnist for the Star (a Nairobi daily) and the Economist on-line.
Both Dean Meyer and Dr Awiti provide evidence and research based opinions and articles on a range of contemporary topics including environment, agriculture, access to finance, public health, politics and economic development. Their commentary influences both public perceptions and government decisions. Through their engagement with the University, they are also imparting their knowledge and expertise to the next generation of Africans.