The Media Council of Kenya has underscored the importance of leveraging in strategic partnerships to enhance digital literacy and professionalism in the media industry.
MCK Director for Media Training and Development Mr Victor Bwire says through strategic collaborations, journalists can contribute jointly to information dissemination while at the same time promoting industry viability.
“Strategic partnerships on areas that boost media viability are beneficial, especially now that journalists are moving away from newsrooms and embracing online platforms”, said Mr Bwire while meeting a team from Paradigm Initiative at the Council’s office.
He stated that the Council is intending to conduct trainings on digital literacy that target schools to educate students on digital online safety and responsible use of online platforms.
“The Council is targeting students in media schools to train them on responsible use of online platforms and digital safety”, said Mr Bwire.
He noted that the Council is in the process of forming digital hubs across the country which will be Wi-Fi enabled including studios where journalists can work to produce online content.
“We are establishing digital hubs across the country where both local and international journalists can work from and produce content”, he said.
Mr Bwire said the convergence of the media has seen community radio stations transition to online platforms. He noted that the time was ripe to put emphasis on digital safety through capacity building.
“Community radio stations are transitioning to online platforms. This has prompted the importance of community radio stations to develop digital safety guidelines for reference”, he said.
Paradigm Initiative Executive Director Gbenga Sesan said a partnership with the Council through a program on digital inclusion will connect journalists with ICT enabled systems and advocate for human rights online.
“Through a collaboration on digital safety and hygiene training on safe use of ICT, journalists will have the knowledge to navigate safely through online platforms”, said Mr Gbenga.
He reiterated the need for digital protection of schools saying that its an area they are passionate about and are looking into enhancing digital safety through trainings and digital workshops.
“Digital safety is an area we are perfected in, and we have tools that can improve online safety, such as installing Tunnel Bear and a secure VPN service”, he said.