The Media and Communication Students Association (MECSA) of the Department of Language and Communication Sciences at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, has held its inaugural MECSA Communication Summit. The event took place at the Evans Anfom Auditorium, KNUST on 26th July 2024, under the theme “Leveraging Digital Platforms for Private and Corporate Communication.”
The MECSA Communication Summit aimed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how digital platforms can be utilised in various fields of communication. The Summit featured a range of speakers who shared their expertise and insights on the evolving landscape of communication in the digital age.
Dr. Fortune Tella, a Lecturer and Patron of MECSA, emphasised the importance of the Summit for students pursuing a degree in communication. He highlighted that the Summit serves as an avenue for students to explore different specialisations within the field of communication, including Public Relations, Advertising, and Journalism. He pointed out that the rapid evolution of communication technologies requires students to adapt and stay current with emerging trends. He stressed the need for students to be versatile and prepared for the dynamic nature of the communication industry.
The Head of the Department, Dr. (Mrs.) Victoria Ogunnike Faleke, expressed her excitement in hosting the first-ever Communication Summit within the Department. She noted the significance of communication in everyday life and the vital role it plays in various sectors. She highlighted the Department's commitment to providing excellent education through its team of astute and knowledgeable lecturers. She discussed the importance of language as a fundamental tool in effective communication and its impact on personal and professional interactions. She encouraged the students to take full advantage of the opportunities provided to them by the Summit to enhance their understanding and skills in communication.
Mr. Kwame Frimpong, Head of Public Relations at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, shared his knowledge and experience in the field of Public Relations (PR). He emphasised the critical role of digital platforms in modern PR practices. He discussed how digital communication tools can be used to build and maintain a positive public image, manage crises, and engage with various stakeholders. He provided practical examples of how digital platforms, such as social media and websites, have transformed the way organisations communicate with their audiences. He also highlighted the importance of staying updated with technological advancements to remain competitive in the field. He discussed the increasing need for PR professionals to be proficient in digital analytics to measure the effectiveness of their campaigns and adjust strategies accordingly.
Ms. Paulina Akua Asiedua Acheampong, a Journalist at Promise Broadcasting Limited (Oyerepa TV), focused her presentation on the role of digital platforms in broadcast journalism. She highlighted the shift from traditional media to digital media and how this transition has impacted news reporting and dissemination. She discussed the advantages of digital platforms, such as real-time updates, broader reach, and interactive engagement with the audience. She mentioned tools like Zoom, Skype, Facebook, and WhatsApp as essential for modern journalism. She stated that in the corporate world, digital platforms enhance productivity and facilitate better communication. She also addressed the challenges faced by journalists in the digital age, including the need for digital literacy, security issues, information overload, and the ethical considerations of online reporting. She further provided solutions to combat these problems, such as implementing robust cybersecurity measures and practicing ethical journalism. She also provided insights into future trends in broadcast journalism, such as the increasing use of multimedia content and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) in news production.
Mr. Nana Poku Owusu, Director of Marketing at Xminger Multimedia Limited, centred his presentation on the use of digital platforms in advertising. He discussed the evolution of advertising from traditional media, such as print, radio and television, to digital media, including social media, search engines, and mobile apps. He highlighted the benefits of digital advertising, such as targeted marketing, cost-effectiveness, and measurable results. He elaborated on the importance of content creation in capturing the audience's attention and driving engagement. Mr. Owusu emphasised the importance of creativity and innovation in digital advertising to capture the attention of the target audience. He also highlighted the ethical considerations and challenges associated with digital advertising, such as data privacy and ad fraud. He provided strategies for creating effective digital advertising campaigns, including audience segmentation, using analytics to track performance, and continuously iterating on ad content to improve results.
