On Human Rights Day, I had the privilege of discussing the essential relationship between media and human rights during a live conversation on FM 101. This was not merely a ceremonial acknowledgment of an international observance, it was an opportunity to reflect on how we tell stories, challenge prevailing narratives, and uphold the values embedded within the Sustainable Development Goals.

Beyond Calendar Journalism

During our conversation, I emphasized that our responsibility as broadcasters extends far beyond marking commemorative dates. We must ensure our storytelling genuinely connects audiences with the lived realities of people navigating inequality, injustice, and systemic challenges. This requires innovation in how we present issues such as poverty, gender disparity, and climate change—framing them not as abstract concerns, but as urgent calls to action that inspire engagement rather than passive consumption.

The Public Broadcaster’s Mandate

I addressed the distinctive role public service media occupies in this landscape. We often serve as voices of development policy and public interest, yet we navigate considerable creative constraints due to limited resources. This stands in contrast to private media organizations, which may command larger budgets but occasionally allow commercial imperatives to overshadow considerations of public welfare. The challenge for public broadcasters is to maintain editorial integrity and social purpose within these structural realities.

Infotainment and Social Responsibility

A significant portion of our discussion explored the role of infotainment in contemporary media. While engaging, accessible content is undeniably important, we as content creators must ensure that critical social conversations are not diluted by entertainment value alone. The most effective approach lies in blending compelling formats with substantive subjects—creating content that both captivates and informs, ultimately driving genuine awareness and meaningful dialogue.

Media as SDG Catalyst

I spoke about the interconnected nature of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and their 169 underlying targets. Addressing education, inequality, and environmental sustainability cannot be treated as isolated endeavors—they are fundamentally linked. Media professionals should position themselves at the forefront of this integration, making complex policy frameworks accessible and translating global commitments into actionable narratives that resonate locally.

Navigating Disinformation While Protecting Free Expression

Our conversation also touched on the escalating challenge of disinformation and its impact on public discourse. This requires us to think critically about the stories we amplify and the sources we legitimize. My work with organizations such as UNESCO reflects this balance—protecting freedom of expression while simultaneously accepting our responsibility to counter falsehoods and cultivate an informed, discerning public.

An Invitation to Fellow Storytellers

As I concluded the interview, my message to fellow content creators was direct: let us engage more deeply with the SDGs and resist superficial treatments of complex issues. Let us move beyond familiar tropes, embrace creative courage, and use our platforms to amplify marginalized voices, propose tangible solutions, and build bridges across communities and cultures.

Every Human Rights Day serves as a reminder that our work as media professionals carries consequence. The stories we choose to tell—and how we tell them—have the capacity to shape public consciousness and influence the trajectory of social progress. Let us continue to create journalism and content that honors this responsibility.

I invite you to listen to the full interview (English captions enabled) to hear more about my approach to strengthening the vital connection between media practice, human rights advocacy, and sustainable development.

Originally aired on FM 101 | Human Rights Day 2019