About Us
Digital storytelling has revolutionised how individuals and communities share their voices, perspectives, and experiences. Previously, access to traditional media channels—such as publishing houses, film studios, and broadcast networks—was tightly controlled by gatekeepers, often privileging those with resources and connections. Today, as technology becomes more affordable and widespread, the barriers to entry have dramatically decreased. Smartphones, free editing software, and sharing platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and podcast services empower people from all walks of life to craft and distribute their own narratives. This democratization means that important stories—once overlooked or actively suppressed—now have a chance to reach global audiences.
The fall in the cost of digital tools has leveled the playing field between the "haves" and "have-nots." Marginalized communities, which historically lacked access to mainstream media, can now document their realities and cultures in their own words and styles. Grassroots activists, young creators, and underrepresented groups can challenge stereotypes, highlight injustices, and celebrate cultural achievements, building vibrant communities around shared identities and values. As a result, digital storytelling doesn't just amplify more voices; it energizes civic engagement, fosters empathy, and continually reshapes the cultural landscape by including perspectives that were previously silenced or ignored.
Paresh Solanki
Paresh Solanki FRTS, FInstLM, is an award-winning media professional and social innovator working at the intersection of storytelling, technology, and social change. His work focuses on using media as a tool to amplify underrepresented voices, strengthen communities, and create meaningful, lasting impact.
With a distinguished career spanning the BBC, international institutions, and the NGO sector, Paresh combines creative excellence with strategic leadership. He brings together visual storytelling, communications, and organisational development to support charities, public bodies, and global networks in advancing awareness, engagement, and social cohesion.
In recent years, his work has centred on high-impact projects across health, heritage, and community development. He has collaborated with Alzheimer’s Research UK on the Dementia Ambassadors programme, contributed to national cancer awareness campaigns with Oracle Head and Neck Cancer, and produced a series for Leicester Royal Infirmary promoting organ donation. His BUA50 project documented the lived experiences of Ugandan Asians, creating a powerful digital archive of memory, resilience, and identity.
Paresh has also produced a wide range of COVID-19 community testimonies for the Media Diversity Institute and other NGOs, capturing the human realities behind the pandemic across diverse communities. His photographic and video work continues to support organisations including the Fighting Prostate Cancer, Bob Willis Fund, Together in Action, Inter Faith Week, Near Neighbours, the United Religions Initiative, and others—helping bring visibility to important social narratives.
Earlier in his career, Paresh held senior leadership roles at the BBC, where he combined editorial, creative, and executive responsibilities at scale. He created the award-winning BBC Mega Mela, a pioneering platform that brought diverse talent into mainstream media across television, radio, and live events. He also served as International Coordinator for Live 8, working across ten countries on one of the largest global media events focused on poverty awareness.
As Executive Director/Chairman of BBC Relocation, he led the £45 million transformation of BBC Birmingham, delivering a major organisational and cultural shift through strategic planning, partnership development, and change management. His leadership consistently bridged creative vision with operational delivery. The project won a prize from the National Office Awards.Â
Beyond the BBC, Paresh worked as a Media Expert with the Council of Europe, contributing to campaigns across 12 European cities on key social and political issues. At the Inter Faith Network for the UK, he served as Assistant Director (Communications & Development), where he pioneered National Inter Faith Week—now a significant national initiative fostering dialogue and understanding across communities.
His expertise spans videography, photography, journalism, communications strategy, and organisational development. He works closely with NGOs to build capacity, develop funding strategies, and strengthen their media presence. Alongside this, he has delivered media and leadership training to community groups and young people, supporting the next generation of storytellers and change-makers.
Paresh’s work is grounded in a commitment to social justice, ethical media, and inclusive representation. He serves as a Trustee of the Media Diversity Institute and SAMPAD Arts, contributing to global efforts to improve media accuracy and promote cultural engagement. He has also advised a range of organisations and participated in public bodies focused on social cohesion, faith, and media.
A Fellow of the Royal Television Society and the Institute of Leadership & Management, and a member of BAFTA and the British Psychological Society, Paresh is recognised for both his creative achievements and his leadership in media-driven social innovation.
Through psView.media, he continues to develop projects that connect people, ideas, and communities—demonstrating the power of media not just to inform, but to inspire change.