Midia Lab and h2n produce live feed and television images from MISAU’s daily press briefings

In response to a request from MISAU, and in order to aid social distancing efforts, Midia Lab and h2n now stream live feeds from the ministry’s daily press briefings and produce the images that Mozambican television stations use in their news broadcasts. The television images go out via TV Cabo, whereas the live feed goes directly to Facebook over the internet. These measures greatly reduce the number of persons that need to be physically present at the press briefings. The live feed has around 5,000 views on average and provides an opportunity for regular citizens to post comments, questions, likes and shares during the briefings or at any or other time of the day. “In many ways, live feeds represent a democratization of access to information, because regular people can comment or ask questions that are later answered,” says Rui Lamarques, executive director of Midia Lab. The comments posted on Facebook also provide an instant and valuable feedback mechanism that shows concerns, information gaps and possible misunderstandings found in the general population. As of last Monday, the ministry asked journalists to submit their questions by Zoom, thus further streamlining the social distancing approach. While the ministry arranges the cable and internet transmission, the streaming and television equipment and expertise are provided by Midia Lab and h2n on a pro bono basis as part of a broader COVID-19 response. Midia Lab is an independent organization focused on journalism training, media development and digital solutions. Midia Lab was funded by USAID until 2018 and is currently sustained primarily by video production and digital development.