Journalists and editors have been urged to develop keen interest on legislative processes and budget review as a necessity for covering parliamentary proceedings.
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) CEO Mr David Omwoyo told parliamentary news editors in Mombasa that it is important for media professionals to undergo this training to enable them to understand and appreciate certain processes. He noted that there has been a challenge for journalists reporting on parliamentary issues.
He further called upon legislators to assist the media in conducting its work, noting the importance of journalists’ verification to professionally manage those covering parliamentary procedures.
“Due to technological advancements, Parliament is now able to broadcast parliamentary proceedings as they happen. I, therefore, urge the Parliamentary Broadcasting Unit (PBU) to allow the media to pick up information deemed necessary to disseminate to the public”, said Mr Omwoyo during the National Assembly Leaders and Editors retreat in Mombasa.
Mr Omwoyo urged the media to ensure that what they display on their media platforms is verifiable emphasising the importance of being guided by ethics in service of public interest.
PBU Technical Manager Rachael Nakitare took the editors through broadcasting regulations, noting that there are over 7,000 hours of broadcast since 2008 that can be accessed by media when needed.
“Media needs to have research desks to help them delve deeper in checking the accuracy of reports released by some organisations that monitor parliamentary proceedings”, she said.
She stressed the need for training journalists to grow their reporting skills and challenged editors to take up partnerships with Parliament seriously to improve their relations.
Prior to the training the Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetangula and the MCK CEO hosted a cocktail for the Parliamentary Journalists Association of Kenya (PJAK) and political editors where parliamentarians were encouraged to work closely with the media despite tensions and occasional misunderstanding as they both represent the people.