The Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) convened a zoom online session on E-media and Sports in Uganda on July 25 2020. The session was streamed live on facebook as well.
The session was moderated by re-known sports journalist/member UOC media commission, Ms. Aisha Nasanga and e-media journalists: Patrick Acheng (Magic FM) Nsereko Musoke Isa (Nim Sport), Kalyango Fredrick (Sanyuka TV) Danzie Edwin (Nile Post) Peace Bagala Diane (Football 256), and Kaweru Franklin (Kawoko) were the panelists.The session was attended by 40 participants (F 11, 29 M) on zoom with 173 people reached and 35 engagements via face book. The participants comprised inter alia Federation/Association Heads, members, media and the public following on line. Dr. Donald Rukare UOC Secretary General/ NCS Chair welcomed the participants to the online session. He noted the e-media is a vital platform that the sports family needs to embrace purposefully to advance their respective sports codes. Mr. William F Blick President UOC/IOC member observed that e-media plays an important role in sports development. He strongly encouraged members to embrace e media.
Following from the presentation by the panelists and the lively interactive discussion that followed the following issues emerged:
E media plays a vital role in sports development and needs to be embraced by sports associations/federations.
Associations and federations need to have focal points that are dedicated to providing/uploading content onto e-media platforms.
Some associations/federation leaders are not willing or available for media engagements.
Some associations/federations and leaders have social media platforms which is commendable but there is need to regularly update them with relevant content.
E-media platforms such as YouTube/ twitter are potential revenue earners for associations/federations with the right volume of followers and content.
Use of e-media is constrained by internet speeds, cost and accessibility.
Associations/federations need to be trained on how to use and harness e-media
Associations/Federations should adopt/ use various media platforms i.e. print, electronic and e-media leveraging the scope and reach of each.
Associations/Federations need to put in place media and marketing strategies.
The conversation needs to be broadened to include telecom, TV, pay-TV and other relevant companies/entities.
E Media has a wide reach /scope and is comparatively less expensive than the main stream media.
Associations/federations were encouraged to share content about their sport/athletes/competitions with various e-media outlets.Dr. Donald Rukare thanked the members for the active participation and hoped that they found the session rewarding. He noted that a follow-up TV session would be held on Sunday 26 July 2020 on NBS in which international media specialists will be featured. He urged members to tune in and keep the conversation going.
