Editors kick off training on poll coverage
Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) yesterday kicked off a nationwide training for journalists on election reporting ahead of the 2022 polls.
Training targets media practitioners based in counties and is geared towards addressing issues relating to professionalism and code of ethics.
KEG Chief Executive Rosalia Omungo said they are determined to train journalists on issues of election reporting, hate speech, combating fake news, ethical reporting as well as safety of journalists during elections and conflict situations.
Speaking in Kwale at the end of a two-day workshop yesterday, Omungo said the series of capacity-building programmes seek to equip journalists with necessary skills to inform and educate the public about hate speech without limiting freedom of expression.
Provides information
She also noted that the media needs to maintain a high level of professionalism as its coverage affects how the electorates evaluate candidates and political parties, adding that fair coverage is vital to fair polls anywhere in the world.
“The media should entrench and harness the culture and power of communication for development that goes beyond providing information,” she said.
She urged media practitioners to at all times adhere to the journalistic code of conduct and avoid corrupt practices that endanger their reputation and personal safety.
Trustee of the Kenya Editors’ Guild, Macharia Gaitho, highlighted the crucial role of the media in the democratic process.
Gaitho, former Kenya Editors’ Guild chair observed that during elections period, the media faces specific challenges, especially during political transition.
He asked the media to discharge its public duty without fear and favour, adding that free, fair and peaceful elections rested with the media by setting the agenda for the rest of the society.
Media Consultant, George Sunguh, urged the media to reject politicians spewing hate speech and seeking to divide Kenyans along ethnic and religious lines, “because that is a sure recipe for violence,” he noted.
