This session focuses on the digital divide’s impact on the lack of diversity in the digital media and how it can be addressed.
Structural inequity contributes to the lack of diversity in digital journalism, including media startups, and the paucity of hardware, software and infrastructure plaguing under-resourced schools and departments (particularly Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Hispanic Serving Institutions). The result is a systemic disadvantage in preparing students to envision themselves as creators, innovators and media entrepreneurs. One professor referred to a “technology phobia” among first-generation college students from urban and rural communities that inhibits their storytelling skills. The digital divide is real and needs to be addressed aggressively. How can technology companies and software makers act to change these conditions? What is the strategy and plan of action going forward?
This is a combined discussion/brainstorming/problem-solving session that meets the repercussions of the digital divide head-on.
Suggested Speaker(s)
- Dr. Michelle Ferrier (@mediaghosts)
Dean, School of Journalism and Media Arts, Florida A&M University - Joanna Hernandez (@joanna0721)
Director of Diversity and Inclusion, University of Florida, College of Journalism and Communications