Diversity manifests in many ways: race, ethnicity, gender, physical abilities, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, income/wealth, educational background and so on. On the one hand, diversity can inspire creativity, social and economic progress, vibrant communities, and a richness of life. However, diversity also engenders suspicion, fear, discrimination, repression, and violent conflict. Tribal and ethnic based conflicts in most parts of Eastern Africa can be seen in the same light.

Yet despite the difficulties inherent in managing diversity, there are ways through which these issues can begin to be addressed. For instance, a journalism that is driven by the desire for tolerance and a strong humanistic spirit is one such entry point. Journalists and media organizations hold a unique power for realizing more understanding and accommodation among different groups of people.

Through their actions, they can help each and every group in society gain visibility and be heard. They can strengthen or weaken stereotypes by providing multidimensional or simplistic representations of different ethnic, racial and religious communities. They can foster social tensions and conflicts - or define areas of common ground. They can also provide a useful platform for realizing democracy and guarantee freedom of expression for all in society. But this is only realizable when the mass media is free, professional, embraces and gives space to all voices in society without discrimination and prioritizes variety and diversity as key principles