What is ailing Kenyan journalism?
Gukira’s post on the amnesia of Kenyan press is very thought-provoking. He raises a very important question: “We have long complained that the Western press presents “rubbish stories,” indifferent to “real issues.” Is the Kenyan press no less complicit?”
I think the Kenyan press is no less complicit and it is time that they should be taken to task. For instance, why were Kenyans overseas complaining that they were not getting a good sense of things on the ground from the press during the referendum when the Kenyan press had the resources to do more than just an orange-vs-banana story? Why aren’t we reading more honest and well-thought out stories? How can we complain about mediocre coverage by the West when we are doing a pretty abysmal job of telling our stories?
For a long time in Kenya the main challenge facing journalists was censorship and the absence of freedom of the press, yet now that the space for media has opened up there is very little serious or investigative reporting going on. If the Weekly Review could operate at the height of Moi’s paranoia, why can’t we have a credible independent weekly now? A comment by Acolyte points to some of the challenges: “I do agree with all that you are saying.I remember as a communications undergrad learning that one of the roles of the press is to educate and make the people aware. But lest we forget that that comes secondary to the aim of selling as many papers and advertising space as possible.I am sure that you are aware of the average Kenyan’s fascination with politics, they will talk about it day in and day out and most of the time not from an activist view point but from a party,tribal,individual view point. These political battles are Kenya’s version of America’s teen star wars ( no not the epic movie series ). But that of course does not make it ok. As a one time owner of a Kenyan press card you would be surprised how deep in bed many editors and politicians are there are many stories that would break politicians that have never made it to the mainstream media never think that those A4s/gutter press publications are all lies. “
The fact that Kenyans are fascinated with politics may explain the nature of the content that dominates Kenyan newspapers but it really doesn’t explain the quality. In fact, I think the papers would sell more if they did more hard hitting reporting. Remember the Standard expose on “politically correct” people? That edition was sold out.
I think one of the main underlying problems is, as Acolyte points out, corruption within the main newspapers. “Juicy” stories are killed all the time by “credible” journalists. The fact if you want your story to get publicized or if you want media attention you are pretty much limited to two newspapers also makes it necessary for people to try not to “piss off” journalists…I’ve seen this happen. There’s also a fear of defamation lawsuits and our poor track record at protecting whistleblowers. Then there’s the way the major media houses are being run today. Most of them rely on freelance writers to cut on salary costs and there are claims that reputable journalists find themseleves sidelined when they try to challenge the status quo.
Not sure how to get out of this conundrum…anyone want to start (and fund!) a newspaper?
Popularity: 11% [?]
on December 10th, 2005 at 13:26
yeah i ould like to fund a newspaper preferably an online newspaper with credible and independent writers. i think the kenyan press is too partisan an dthe qulaity of reporting is just too ridiculous
on December 10th, 2005 at 13:40
Speak of the devil.:mrgreen: Starting a paper may not be hard but keeping it running will be hard,the advertising pie in kenya is not all that large.Let me ask what do you define as a well written story on politics?Yes I know the press has to move away from the usual he said she said stories.But what else do we want on to be told on the political scene?More of the people’s opinions?Well once in a while there is an opinion piece but the people aren’t the news makers coz many people wouldnt buy a paper to read a story about Wanjiku talking about the constitution but would do so if it was about one of the maverick MPs.When you talk about hard hitting that usually ties in with investigative reporting.And from some of your comments above you can see the challenges that face that kind of reporting.Also there is a limit to how much social activism a newspaper can do that will make it change from a newspaper to some sort of social activism newsletter.There should be a healty balance in a paper between news reporting and advocacy (of course depending on the papers’ editorial policy) .But dont forget that newspapers are a business so as long as the people buy it they will keep churning it out, but that does not mean what they are doing is ok.Anyway I think I may have lost my train of thought time for me to go!
on December 10th, 2005 at 19:47
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on December 11th, 2005 at 0:50
The suggestion to start (and fund) another newpaper is a logical one. Like Acolyte points out, its a long shot unless it can be circulated for free (to start) while someone else picks the tab. Not to discourage you, I see this idea getting alot of support and almost no financiers:sad: But keep looking locally. There is one bold (literally) and brave lady who founded the “going out” and “Bridal” Magazines who you could approach and see if she likes the idea. Whatever happened to Matiba’s “The People”?
Doing a good job.
on December 11th, 2005 at 11:35
Think Jua-Kali:
Instead of a full-blown paper, how about a weekly or fortnightly zine? Short, very short–20-25 pages. Perhaps two to three “article” length piece, but then a lot of occasional writing–100-150 word pieces that “report” on specific locations, constituencies, initiatives, that draws from a wide pool of writers. “the people.”
Also, after reading Muchiri Gitonga’s piece on coffee farm conditions–I acknowledge there is some really good investigative journalism going on.
And, counter-Aco, I do think “we” want to read hard-hitting journalism with a social agenda, though not necessarily a narrowly conceived political one.
Thanks for your comments Keguro, will be responding in Part III.
on December 12th, 2005 at 0:48
@ Keguro
When you say that you want to read hard hitting journalism with a social agenda you are not speaking for the common man but an educated elite.The newspapers try to cater for the lowest common denominator the mwanainchi and the people have voted with their pockets that they like what they are being served.There are newspapers like the East African that are attempting to cater to a narrower audience.But it is good to have a vision.All the best…
on December 12th, 2005 at 15:06
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on December 21st, 2005 at 9:07
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on November 1st, 2006 at 0:58
Yep
It is easier to fix Unix than to live with NT.
on November 21st, 2006 at 23:01
Smile
If Bill Gates had a dime for every time a Windows box crashed…
…Oh, wait a minute, he already does.