The EMMAhub 2024 event held in Berlin at Macromedia University of Applied Sciences was a groundbreaking platform for discussions centred on “Media Management and Migration: Challenges of Media Making by and for Diasporic Communities.” This three-day workshop, hosted by the European Media Management Association (emma), successfully brought together academics, industry leaders, and practitioners from across Europe, fostering meaningful dialogues on the economic, creative, and social dimensions of diasporic media.
A Hub for Cultural Exchange and Innovation
The event kicked off with a warm evening of networking and community-building, marked by opening remarks from Macromedia hosts, including Prof. Dr. Castulus Kolo and Prof. Dr. Evelyn Kästner. Setting the stage for fruitful discussions, the first day featured keynotes and panels addressing the role of media in representing and supporting migrant communities.
Prof. Dr. Özgür Özvatan of the Berlin Institute for Empirical Integration and Migration Research delivered a compelling keynote on community-based politics in the digital age, exploring inclusive media policies and the challenges of fostering diversity in today’s media landscape. Natalia Grote from Kohero, a non-profit journalism platform, emphasized, “Authentic representation of migration experiences is only possible through diversity in newsrooms.”
Engaging Panels and Inspirational Voices
A series of panels and ignite talks highlighted the entrepreneurial spirit of diasporic media makers. Tikhon Dzyadko, editor of Dozhd TV, shared insights on the role of independent Russian-speaking media, while John Oliviera of OneWorld discussed the intersection of sustainability and social enterprise within migrant-focused media initiatives. Voices from The Melissa Network and InsideStory underscored the vital role media plays in empowering migrant women and fostering community resilience.
The final day included discussions with key figures from German media regulation and leading public and private media organizations. Dr. Eva Flecken, Director of the Medienanstalt Berlin-Brandenburg, provided an insightful address on adapting regulatory frameworks to support diversity. Lisa Kremeyer of Netflix Germany, Tyron Ricketts of Panthertainment, and Erkan Arıkan of Deutsche Welle shared their visions for a more inclusive media landscape, addressing the persistent challenges in achieving genuine representation.
Workshops and Future Collaborations
Throughout the event, workshops offered a collaborative space to develop actionable solutions and future research directions. These sessions emphasized the resilience, creativity, and potential of media enterprises tailored to migrant audiences.
Prof. Dr. Castulus Kolo summarized the event’s impact: “This workshop represents a significant step towards understanding and enhancing the role of media within diasporic communities by bringing together diverse perspectives to drive innovation.”
Looking Ahead
The EMMAhub 2024 organizers extend their heartfelt thanks to all participants whose engagement and contributions made this event a success. To maintain momentum, attendees are encouraged to stay connected with their workshop groups and consider submitting their research for the special issue of the *Journal of Media Business Studies*, inspired by the event’s theme.
emma invites academics and practitioners to continue this vital dialogue at the upcoming EMMA Annual Conference in June 2025, to be held in Rome. Let’s come together to explore new frontiers in media management and ensure that diverse voices continue to shape the media landscape.
For more information and updates, visit the emmahub’s page.
