Can Storytelling Hold Power to Account?

Kumi speaks with journalist and Coda Story co-founder Natalia Antelava about reinventing journalism in the age of authoritarianism, disinformation and algorithmic manipulation. From reporting in Yemen to pioneering context-driven coverage at Coda, Natalia shares how storytelling can resist authoritarian playbooks and (re)build public trust. 

They explore the role of media as activism, the dangers of being slaves to the “breaking news” cycle, and how narratives around family values and identity have been co-opted to fuel global authoritarianism. Natalia also reflects on her work with the ZEG Festival, an experiment in imagination and cross-disciplinary resistance that brings artists, journalists, and philosophers together to shape the “day after tomorrow.” 

This episode asks: Can arts and media help us move from information overload to deep understanding—and action? Can journalism reclaim its place as a bridge between divided realities?  

Resources & Links 

• Coda Story (co-founded by Natalia): www.codastory.com 
• ZEG Festival (co-organized by Natalia): www.zegfest.org 
• Coda's coverage on disinformation and authoritarianism: 
  👉 Coda’s Authoritarian Tech Section 
  👉 Coda’s Disinformation Section 
• “Burning with Optimism” essay by Kumi Naidoo (on resistance, burnout & activism): 
  openDemocracy Article 

Produced by Larj Media