Editors have been urged to uphold professionalism while reporting on matters of national interest.
Principal Secretary, State Department of Telecommunication and Broadcasting Prof Edward Kisiang’ani told editors of the State broadcaster, Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) that the country was going through transformation, which he said calls for effective communication.
The PS noted that Kenya is going through a political transition, which he added, comes with massive socio-economic shifts.
“Media practitioners and editors must understand this and find a niche within the economic and digital spheres”, said Prof Kisiang’ani when he opened a training organised by the Media Council of Kenya for KBC editors on newsroom management in transition and media regulation in a digital environment in Naivasha.
Prof Kisiang’ani advised editors to have a good understanding of the government's agenda to report effectively on the critical pillars that are vital in achieving transformation in the country.
“It is important for editors to be knowledgeable about local and international happenings to report effectively on the critical pillars in order to achieve transformation in the country. Editors must also understand the Constitution and government's agenda”, he said.
He called upon KBC editors to set their own agenda as a public broadcaster to build their own identity.
Media Council CEO Mr David Omwoyo noted the central role played by public broadcasters, terming it critical to the country.
“Editors need to reflect on the approach to issues and the central role of communicating and informing the public appropriately”, he said.
Kenya Broadcasting Corporation acting Managing Director Mr Samuel Maina urged editors to remain committed to delivering factual and thoughtful news in this digital era.
“The digital era requires us to adapt to various ways of reporting news. We must optimise technology and the tools available for reporting news”, remarked Mr Maina.
He further stated that it is important for editors to foster a culture of consulting to enable them to relay credible information to the public.
The two-day leadership training on newsroom management in transition and media regulation for the KBC editors will expose the news managers to ways of ensuring that news production runs smoothly, efficiently, and with the highest quality possible.