AMWIK, MEDIA COUNCIL OF KENYA TRAIN MERU SCRIBES ON ELECTION COVERAGE AND REPORTING
AMWIK and the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) conducted a joint training for Meru-based journalists at the Three Steers Hotel in the series of election coverage training. The journalists were taught about the significance of ethical reporting, safety and security measures during the election coverage, and the importance of gender-sensitive reporting.
AMWIK Executive Director, Judie Kaberia stressed the importance of adhering to responsible journalism practices and professionalism while incorporating gender-sensitive reporting to ensure the representation of both genders is non-biased.
On the other hand, Joseph Mecha, MCK’s Regional Coordinator in Meru urged journalists to prioritize their safety and security as cases of attacks on journalists escalate during elections. “Ensure that they have contacts of security personnel of the area you are covering just in case you are in danger. Additionally, be a member of a professional body such as MCK or AMWIK which can come to your aid,” he added.
Media Trainer, Pamela Mburia, stressed the significance of ethical journalism by saying, “Half of the challenges being faced by journalists would be avoided by being responsible hence journalists should be accountable for accurately reporting by disseminating truthful and factual information.”
The journalists were also provided with information and materials on the concept, credibility, and guidelines of witness protection support offered to witnesses by the witness protection agency.
The training provided first-time journalists with critical skills for covering the elections while complying with safety, ethical, and conflict-sensitive reporting standards. According to the Media Council of Kenya, more than 60% of journalists covering the general elections in 2022 had never covered an election before.
By Lavender Ivannah- Intern, AMWIK
