Esther Kamweru ED, MCK

7 MAY 2009

Adhere to the agreed code of practice Basic tenets

- Accuracy and fairness- Opportunity to reply- Not paying for news and articles

There are a number of finer points of journalistic procedure that foster disagreements in principle and variation in practice among journalists especially in the mainstream media.

Most of the cases that come to the council are about this… Inaccuracy.

Accuracy is important as a core value and to maintain credibility.

However, audiences are turning towards media outlets that are reporting new information first… radio, mobile phones, television

Different organizations may balance speed and accuracy in different ways.

Break news on mobile phones, radio and television.

Print longer, more detailed, less speculative, and more thoroughly verified pieces the following day.

In the first instance, viewers may switch channels at a moment's notice; the fierce competition to get out first reduces the time to verify information.

This is the challenge.

Yet another common complaint especially from radio audiences.

Complaint that the subjects of conversation of radio talk shows are adult.

That some radio talk shows give psychological advise when they are not qualified to do so.

Complaints also against- Some music shows- Some soap operas

Give audiences what they want It is pretensions to complain about sex talk

on radio. That the shows are entertainment and

audiences are discerning enough to know this.

That they educate

Watershed hour where adult material is transmitted at certain times only.

Train the talk show hosts involves Legislation ( No 1 above) .

Election coverage. Claims- that all media were biased ( Stories used, adjectives used, pictures,

where stories were placed, generally how certain politicians/parties were portrayed) etc)

- that media fuelled ethnic animosities( comments from listeners, use of

proverbs, guests invited to shows, how much time given.)

- Use of gory pictures/ (Other side)- portrayed the reality on the ground, helped to

identify areas that needed emergency help

United media and its message of peace. Choice of songs and other messages. Withdrawal of political ads. Was the only way for people to know what

was happening.

Debate on the KCA 2009- One side of the debate given total

blackout deliberately.- Minister, PS and all who supported

the Bill, now Act, given blackout- Guests invited to discuss the issue- Did the end justify the means?

Internet research Instantaneous/live coverage Citizen journalism

THANK YOU