Gareth Benest
@zungumza.bsky.social
Facilitator of participatory media with communities around the world and Advocacy Director for IBT. Desperately seeking a better world…with more bass. equals.org.uk
Pinned
Gareth Benest
@zungumza.bsky.social
· Oct 21
Why AI-generated ‘poverty porn’ fake images need to be stopped
We must hope that charities recognise the dangers of stereotypes being reinforced – to the representation of people, to public perceptions, to trust and reputations – and refuse to use AI-generated st...
www.independent.co.uk
AI images of starving children, refugees, victims of armed conflict, etc. are being sold on stock image websites. My op-ed for the Independent sets out my fears NGO communications about people and issues around the world.
www.independent.co.uk/voices/ai-im...
www.independent.co.uk/voices/ai-im...
Reposted by Gareth Benest
So proud of a very longstanding and close friend for going public with this - it takes real courage
@peterjukes.bsky.social Peter E is a real mensch!
@peterjukes.bsky.social Peter E is a real mensch!
‘Deeply shocking’: Nigel Farage faces fresh claims of racism and antisemitism at school
Bafta-winning director among contemporaries urging contrition and apology from Reform UK leader, who denies the allegations
www.theguardian.com
November 18, 2025 at 3:37 PM
So proud of a very longstanding and close friend for going public with this - it takes real courage
@peterjukes.bsky.social Peter E is a real mensch!
@peterjukes.bsky.social Peter E is a real mensch!
AI images of starving children, refugees, victims of armed conflict, etc. are being sold on stock image websites. My op-ed for the Independent sets out my fears NGO communications about people and issues around the world.
www.independent.co.uk/voices/ai-im...
www.independent.co.uk/voices/ai-im...
Why AI-generated ‘poverty porn’ fake images need to be stopped
We must hope that charities recognise the dangers of stereotypes being reinforced – to the representation of people, to public perceptions, to trust and reputations – and refuse to use AI-generated st...
www.independent.co.uk
October 21, 2025 at 4:12 PM
AI images of starving children, refugees, victims of armed conflict, etc. are being sold on stock image websites. My op-ed for the Independent sets out my fears NGO communications about people and issues around the world.
www.independent.co.uk/voices/ai-im...
www.independent.co.uk/voices/ai-im...
Reposted by Gareth Benest
In other news, Kemi Badenoch's party has taken at least £7 million in donations from funders and directors of climate change denial lobby groups bylinetimes.com/2025/03/18/k...
October 2, 2025 at 6:01 AM
In other news, Kemi Badenoch's party has taken at least £7 million in donations from funders and directors of climate change denial lobby groups bylinetimes.com/2025/03/18/k...
Reposted by Gareth Benest
Want to shift from storytelling about towards storytelling with?
@IngridguyonFoto and @zungumza.bsky.social share insights gained from 20 years facilitating participatory video, photography and arts with communities around the world.
www.bond.org.uk/news/2025/10...
@IngridguyonFoto and @zungumza.bsky.social share insights gained from 20 years facilitating participatory video, photography and arts with communities around the world.
www.bond.org.uk/news/2025/10...
What participatory methods can teach us about ethical communications | Bond
Ingrid Guyon and Gareth Benest share insights gained from 20 years facilitating participatory video, photography and arts with communities around the world.
buff.ly
October 1, 2025 at 1:15 PM
Want to shift from storytelling about towards storytelling with?
@IngridguyonFoto and @zungumza.bsky.social share insights gained from 20 years facilitating participatory video, photography and arts with communities around the world.
www.bond.org.uk/news/2025/10...
@IngridguyonFoto and @zungumza.bsky.social share insights gained from 20 years facilitating participatory video, photography and arts with communities around the world.
www.bond.org.uk/news/2025/10...
Reposted by Gareth Benest
In Shimoni, Kenya, a new fishing port is slated to open in June.
While the government promises local people opportunities for jobs and businesses once operations start, some residents foresee more harm than good from the port.
While the government promises local people opportunities for jobs and businesses once operations start, some residents foresee more harm than good from the port.
As a fishing port rises in Kenya, locals see threats to sea life, livelihoods
SHIMONI, Kenya — Behind the gates of a small, forested property by the sea in Shimoni, a town on Kenya’s south coast, preparation for coral restoration was underway one afternoon in March. One part…
news.mongabay.com
June 26, 2025 at 5:35 AM
In Shimoni, Kenya, a new fishing port is slated to open in June.
While the government promises local people opportunities for jobs and businesses once operations start, some residents foresee more harm than good from the port.
While the government promises local people opportunities for jobs and businesses once operations start, some residents foresee more harm than good from the port.
Reposted by Gareth Benest
🚨This is 💯 worth your time
“I have watched with dismay and increasing horror as my nephew, an educated man who is well aware of his heritage, has become the architect of immigration policies that repudiate the very foundation of our family’s life in this country”
www.politico.com/magazine/sto...
“I have watched with dismay and increasing horror as my nephew, an educated man who is well aware of his heritage, has become the architect of immigration policies that repudiate the very foundation of our family’s life in this country”
www.politico.com/magazine/sto...
Stephen Miller Is an Immigration Hypocrite. I Know Because I’m His Uncle.
If my nephew’s ideas on immigration had been in force a century ago, our family would have been wiped out.
www.politico.com
June 22, 2025 at 7:57 PM
🚨This is 💯 worth your time
“I have watched with dismay and increasing horror as my nephew, an educated man who is well aware of his heritage, has become the architect of immigration policies that repudiate the very foundation of our family’s life in this country”
www.politico.com/magazine/sto...
“I have watched with dismay and increasing horror as my nephew, an educated man who is well aware of his heritage, has become the architect of immigration policies that repudiate the very foundation of our family’s life in this country”
www.politico.com/magazine/sto...
Reposted by Gareth Benest
𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐠𝐞𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐬: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐒𝐮𝐝𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞
Superlative Al Jazeera report (22 Sep 2024) on Sudanese migrants' journey to UK, why they have to flee Sudan, the dangers, costs, how long the journey lasts, how they earn the money to pay smugglers
www.aljazeera.com/features/lon...
Superlative Al Jazeera report (22 Sep 2024) on Sudanese migrants' journey to UK, why they have to flee Sudan, the dangers, costs, how long the journey lasts, how they earn the money to pay smugglers
www.aljazeera.com/features/lon...
Refugee chronicles: The long and lonely road from Sudan to northern France
Crossing desert and sea, facing pushbacks, racist attacks and homelessness; Sudanese refugees have endured them all.
www.aljazeera.com
March 24, 2025 at 11:03 AM
𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐠𝐞𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐬: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐒𝐮𝐝𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞
Superlative Al Jazeera report (22 Sep 2024) on Sudanese migrants' journey to UK, why they have to flee Sudan, the dangers, costs, how long the journey lasts, how they earn the money to pay smugglers
www.aljazeera.com/features/lon...
Superlative Al Jazeera report (22 Sep 2024) on Sudanese migrants' journey to UK, why they have to flee Sudan, the dangers, costs, how long the journey lasts, how they earn the money to pay smugglers
www.aljazeera.com/features/lon...
Reposted by Gareth Benest
📺 Channel 4's Unreported World returns this evening at 19:30.
In tonight's episode, @krishgm.bsky.social reports from Sudan, where about 30 million people are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. We're pleased that this neglected crisis is being covered by the programme #IBTRecommends
In tonight's episode, @krishgm.bsky.social reports from Sudan, where about 30 million people are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. We're pleased that this neglected crisis is being covered by the programme #IBTRecommends
March 14, 2025 at 11:46 AM
📺 Channel 4's Unreported World returns this evening at 19:30.
In tonight's episode, @krishgm.bsky.social reports from Sudan, where about 30 million people are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. We're pleased that this neglected crisis is being covered by the programme #IBTRecommends
In tonight's episode, @krishgm.bsky.social reports from Sudan, where about 30 million people are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. We're pleased that this neglected crisis is being covered by the programme #IBTRecommends
Excellent to see the BBC on the front foot, calling for a return to government funding of the World Service. The need for @bbcworldservice.bsky.social has never been stronger and the argument for stable (and increased) funding never clearer. Government must act.
www.theguardian.com/media/2025/m...
www.theguardian.com/media/2025/m...
World Service must be fully state-funded to counter disinformation, say BBC bosses
Ministers must cover full costs of championing western values abroad, senior BBC figures to argue
www.theguardian.com
March 12, 2025 at 7:56 AM
Excellent to see the BBC on the front foot, calling for a return to government funding of the World Service. The need for @bbcworldservice.bsky.social has never been stronger and the argument for stable (and increased) funding never clearer. Government must act.
www.theguardian.com/media/2025/m...
www.theguardian.com/media/2025/m...
Reposted by Gareth Benest
Last week, we co-hosted an event with ODI Global on media representation of refugees.
Thanks to everyone who participated in the panel and in the Q&A. It was a constructive conservation.
@yaldahakim.bsky.social @dianewriter.bsky.social, Andrew Connelly, Emma Young, Nazek Ramadan, Vivienne Francis
Thanks to everyone who participated in the panel and in the Q&A. It was a constructive conservation.
@yaldahakim.bsky.social @dianewriter.bsky.social, Andrew Connelly, Emma Young, Nazek Ramadan, Vivienne Francis
February 21, 2025 at 12:03 PM
Last week, we co-hosted an event with ODI Global on media representation of refugees.
Thanks to everyone who participated in the panel and in the Q&A. It was a constructive conservation.
@yaldahakim.bsky.social @dianewriter.bsky.social, Andrew Connelly, Emma Young, Nazek Ramadan, Vivienne Francis
Thanks to everyone who participated in the panel and in the Q&A. It was a constructive conservation.
@yaldahakim.bsky.social @dianewriter.bsky.social, Andrew Connelly, Emma Young, Nazek Ramadan, Vivienne Francis
Reposted by Gareth Benest
The most unpatriotic members of any society are the far right. They will always align with foreign interests against the interests of their own nations. They will always undermine national institutions and national values in pursuit of their own interests. When they pose as patriots, they lie.
February 18, 2025 at 7:12 AM
The most unpatriotic members of any society are the far right. They will always align with foreign interests against the interests of their own nations. They will always undermine national institutions and national values in pursuit of their own interests. When they pose as patriots, they lie.
Reposted by Gareth Benest
We had a fantastic morning co-hosting this panel discussion with @odi.global on media representations of migration and refugee stories.
Many thanks to our panel and for everybody who attended.
Many thanks to our panel and for everybody who attended.
February 13, 2025 at 1:44 PM
We had a fantastic morning co-hosting this panel discussion with @odi.global on media representations of migration and refugee stories.
Many thanks to our panel and for everybody who attended.
Many thanks to our panel and for everybody who attended.
Reposted by Gareth Benest
Our Advocacy Director @zungumza.bsky.social spoke on BBC Wales earlier today, sharing his views on Channel 4's controversial programme Go Back to Where You Came From.
You can listen to the recording below. The conversation starts 46 minutes in 🎧
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
You can listen to the recording below. The conversation starts 46 minutes in 🎧
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
The Phone In - Your calls on unhealthy snacks, the Channel 4 series where members of the public experience life as a refugee and DJs. - BBC Sounds
Unhealthy snacks, the Channel 4 TV series where people experience life as a refugee, & DJs
www.bbc.co.uk
February 12, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Our Advocacy Director @zungumza.bsky.social spoke on BBC Wales earlier today, sharing his views on Channel 4's controversial programme Go Back to Where You Came From.
You can listen to the recording below. The conversation starts 46 minutes in 🎧
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
You can listen to the recording below. The conversation starts 46 minutes in 🎧
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Reposted by Gareth Benest
Truly abysmal goings-on at the Mirror, as reported in Private Eye. Literally holding my head in my hands reading this.
February 6, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Truly abysmal goings-on at the Mirror, as reported in Private Eye. Literally holding my head in my hands reading this.
I was interviewed by French radio today for a news item about ‘Go Back To Where You Came From’, following my op-ed for the Guardian. Did my best to make the case (again) for controversial approaches to awareness-raising around challenging issues.
#GoBack
@theguardian.com
@channel4.bsky.social
#GoBack
@theguardian.com
@channel4.bsky.social
February 6, 2025 at 9:08 PM
I was interviewed by French radio today for a news item about ‘Go Back To Where You Came From’, following my op-ed for the Guardian. Did my best to make the case (again) for controversial approaches to awareness-raising around challenging issues.
#GoBack
@theguardian.com
@channel4.bsky.social
#GoBack
@theguardian.com
@channel4.bsky.social
Reposted by Gareth Benest
Channel 4's Go Back to Where You Came From is shocking. I’m glad it was made | Gareth Benest
Channel 4's Go Back to Where You Came From is shocking. I’m glad it was made | Gareth Benest
The backlash to the reality series misses a key point: if this was an educational documentary, would anyone watch it?
* Gareth Benest is advocacy director for the charity International Broadcasting Trust
Channel 4’s new reality series Go Back to…
www.theguardian.com
February 4, 2025 at 6:27 AM
Channel 4's Go Back to Where You Came From is shocking. I’m glad it was made | Gareth Benest
My piece for the Guardian on Channel 4’s reality TV experiment ‘Go Back To Where You Came From’…
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Channel 4's Go Back to Where You Came From is shocking. I’m glad it was made | Gareth Benest
The backlash to the reality series misses a key point: if this was an educational documentary, would anyone watch it? asks Gareth Benest of the charity International Broadcasting Trust
www.theguardian.com
February 4, 2025 at 7:49 AM
My piece for the Guardian on Channel 4’s reality TV experiment ‘Go Back To Where You Came From’…
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Gareth Benest
From missing goats to health tips: how a female-run radio station is giving rural India a voice
From missing goats to health tips: how a female-run radio station is giving rural India a voice
For nearly two decades, ‘General’ Narsamma and her team at Sangham Radio have honed their craft, learning every aspect of broadcasting, including fixing the radio mast and interview techniques
* Words and photographs by Uday Narayanan
As twilight…
www.theguardian.com
January 31, 2025 at 6:31 AM
From missing goats to health tips: how a female-run radio station is giving rural India a voice
So, I can return to @bsky.app after a long while doing something else…and the timeline is exactly where I left off?! It doesn’t randomly jump around whilst I’m reading a post either…true genius. 🙏
December 3, 2024 at 1:16 PM
So, I can return to @bsky.app after a long while doing something else…and the timeline is exactly where I left off?! It doesn’t randomly jump around whilst I’m reading a post either…true genius. 🙏
We met Minister for Media Stephanie Peacock yesterday to push for transparency around how PSBs use algorithms to deliver their obligations online. Far greater openness and accountability is needed if we are to restore trust in our system of Public Service Media and avoid media silos.
November 26, 2024 at 10:00 AM
We met Minister for Media Stephanie Peacock yesterday to push for transparency around how PSBs use algorithms to deliver their obligations online. Far greater openness and accountability is needed if we are to restore trust in our system of Public Service Media and avoid media silos.
Reposted by Gareth Benest
1. The difference so far (and for god's sake let's keep it that way) between X and Bluesky is not between right and left but between abuse and respect.
A good society is built on mutual respect. But what does this mean?
A short thread.🧵
A good society is built on mutual respect. But what does this mean?
A short thread.🧵
November 21, 2024 at 7:54 AM
1. The difference so far (and for god's sake let's keep it that way) between X and Bluesky is not between right and left but between abuse and respect.
A good society is built on mutual respect. But what does this mean?
A short thread.🧵
A good society is built on mutual respect. But what does this mean?
A short thread.🧵
Reposted by Gareth Benest
I think all of us should spend five minutes doing this each day:
👉 Search Bluesky for “first post”
👉 Filter by “latest”
👉 Like and welcome at least 10 new people
It makes a big difference and it could just make you a new friend!
#FirstPostChallenge
👉 Search Bluesky for “first post”
👉 Filter by “latest”
👉 Like and welcome at least 10 new people
It makes a big difference and it could just make you a new friend!
#FirstPostChallenge
November 17, 2024 at 1:48 AM
I think all of us should spend five minutes doing this each day:
👉 Search Bluesky for “first post”
👉 Filter by “latest”
👉 Like and welcome at least 10 new people
It makes a big difference and it could just make you a new friend!
#FirstPostChallenge
👉 Search Bluesky for “first post”
👉 Filter by “latest”
👉 Like and welcome at least 10 new people
It makes a big difference and it could just make you a new friend!
#FirstPostChallenge
Reposted by Gareth Benest
Shots fired.
Leaving Twitter? Here are some alternatives to checking an online Nazi bot sewer every 20 minutes | First Dog on the Moon
Plant a tomato bush then lecture it on how it should grow tomatoes
www.theguardian.com
November 15, 2024 at 6:39 AM
Shots fired.