Mogadishu, SONNA – The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism of the Federal Government of Somalia has convened a workshop focused on adapting to change and modernizing the Somali media sector. The event brought together approximately 30 journalists from both private and public media institutions to explore strategies for aligning Somali journalism with global standards and emerging industry trends.
Opening the workshop, the Director General of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Abdullahi Hayir Dualle, emphasized the growing importance of the media’s role in a rapidly changing communication landscape. He called on Somali journalists to embrace change and take responsibility for ensuring that the country’s media evolves in line with international journalistic standards.
“Our media must reflect the transformation happening around the world. Journalists have a crucial role in this journey of modernization—to inform, to educate, and to guide the public responsibly,” said Mr. Abdullahi Hayir Dualle.
The Director of Communications Strategy at the Ministry, Mr. Abdishakur Ali Ahmed, delivered a presentation on the transformations shaping modern media, including the rise of digital platforms, evolving audience behavior, and heightened competition. He also addressed the critical balance between innovation and media responsibility.
“Modern journalism demands not only technical adaptation but also a firm commitment to ethical standards and public service. We must be ready to compete in a globalized media market while staying true to our social responsibilities,” he noted.
The Director General of the Somali National Academy of Sciences, also Mr. Abdullahi Hayir, reiterated the media’s duty to guide public discourse and respond to the evolving dynamics in news production and dissemination. He encouraged the participants to see themselves as both reporters and reformers in the national media landscape.
The workshop marks part of a broader effort by the Ministry to build the capacity of Somali journalists and support the transition toward a more professional, innovative, and accountable media environment.
