Kenya’s Media Council Demands Dialogue With The Gov’t After Strained Relations
The Media Council has called for dialogue with the government to reach an agreement on the dissemination of critical national issues without jeopardizing each other’s independence.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, CEO David Omwoyo stated that MCK is concerned about accusations, particularly regarding the coverage of the ongoing demonstrations.
He stated that the apparent tension between the government and the media stemmed from perceptions of biased media coverage of the 2022 General Election.
"Government and the media are under no obligation to like each other, and this is historical and global, but they must agree to exist and identify common principles and values on which to engage including duty to the nation." MCK CEO David Omwoyo@KahawaTungu pic.twitter.com/C7oRusf5t7
— Amiani Linda (@AmianiOfficial) July 22, 2024
“It is worth noting that the political class, who were in opposing camps during the elections have found many reasons to work together, while media and government haven’t found a common ground yet. The media is still looked at as an opponent,” he said.
Omwoyo stated that relations have become even more strained as a result of the government’s conflicting messaging and the proliferation of viewpoints.
He stated that the media occasionally finds itself in a difficult position when it reaches out to government officials for clarification or general access to information.
"The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) is deeply concerned about the adverse working relationship between the Media and Government." MCK CEO David Omwoyo@KahawaTungu pic.twitter.com/SGmjdY5DEP
— Amiani Linda (@AmianiOfficial) July 22, 2024
“Media has been accused of bias in the guests invited to broadcast programmes and framing of national conversations, while on the other hand the media claim lack of credible government voices and consistent messaging by officials when given a chance,” he said.
Omwoyo stated that the media follows the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism in Kenya, particularly when covering protests, which requires reasonable delays in cases of active conflict.
ADVISORY: Our concerns about the adverse working relationship between the Media and Government. pic.twitter.com/sGALhc4qG7
— Media Council of Kenya (@MediaCouncilK) July 22, 2024
Images of protesters looting and destroying property, for example, should not be broadcast because they glorify violence and encourage lawlessness.
He stated that, in addition to this Code of Conduct, media outlets are guided by their own in-house editorial policies, which prohibit instantaneous live broadcasting of violence and active combat.
Some journalists have planned protests on Wednesday to condemn police harassment and brutality towards them.
According to the MCK boss, ethical journalism requires the media to sift through the demands made by protesters rather than simply reporting their practicality and consequences.
“All media houses and outlets, both online and offline, are therefore called upon to strictly apply the provisions of the Code,” he said.
According to Omwoyo, the government is expected to prevent police from harassing journalists while covering conflicts in order to prevent escalation.
He stated that the government’s adoption of a single line of communication will help to avoid conflicting messages.
“There is a need for an urgent media and government dialogue on engagement on national public interest issues without compromising the independence of the other. This has happened before in this country,” Omwoyo said.
Kenya’s Media Council Demands Dialogue With The Gov’t After Strained Relations
