The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has asked journalists to up their reporting on human rights issues.
MCK Director for Media Training and Development Victor Bwire acknowledged journalists’ important role in exposing, monitoring, and documenting human rights violations.
Speaking during a one-day engagement forum with Katiba Institute, Mr. Bwire stressed this critical role.
“First aiders in spreading information are media outlets, and as such, we should transition from only
masterful storytelling to seeking retribution for acts of violence,” said Mr.Bwire.
He urged journalists to familiarise themselves with the access to information Act of 2016 when asking for information from state entities, take their mental well-being seriously, and seek psychological help – particularly after covering sad incidences.
MCK Manager for Press Freedom Safety and advocacy Dinnah Ondari explained the importance of submitting formal information requests.
“Some sources of information might want to change or deny a story after it’s published. In this case, you will need evidence to defend yourself by keeping records of your information requests.
This practice is outlined in the Code of conduct for the practice of Journalism in Kenya on keeping evidence of comments on each side of the story,” she said.
Additionally, MCK has urged journalists to adhere to journalistic ethics when reporting on
HIV/AIDS.
MCK’s Manager for Regulatory Affairs, Terrence Minishi, told journalists in Bungoma at a
Journalists HIV reporting sensitization forum organized by MCK and the National Syndemic Disease
Control Council, formerly known as National AIDS Control Council.
He urged journalists to protect the identity of those living with HIV/AIDS.
“In as much as the constitution provides for Media Freedom, people living with HIV/AIDS deserve the right of privacy and therefore should seek consent to use pictures and names before publishing their stories,” said Minishi, encouraging media to use their platforms to give hope to the public on HIV/AIDS.
Ms. Joy Mong’are from National Syndemic Disease Control Council (NSDCC) Implored journalists to visit NSDCC local branches and interact with provincial defensive coordinators to enquire about current data as HIV has shifted over the decades.
