THE Annual Media Summit 2019 officially kicked off in Nairobi attracting over 400 guests and stakeholders from the industry.
The event which was officially opened by United States ambassador Kyle McCarter at the Intercontinental hotel acted as a platform for debates and exchanges of ideas affecting the media industry.
During the first day of the Summit, participants who included members of the diplomatic core, senior editors, Members of parliament and governance experts focused their debates on the them of the event which is the Media, accountability and good governance.
Speaking during the opening session of the event, Media Council of Kenya Chief Executive Officer Mr. David Omwoyo noted that the media just like government were accountable to the public and this the need for transparency and accountability in the
“As a watchdog, media has a duty to annoy govt, but there are prerequisites such as access to info, transparency of the media in ownership, editorial decisions and revenue,” he said adding that transparency was critical in ensuring that freedom of expression and whistle blowing are not compromised.
Mr. Omwoyo noted that while MCK was a regulator of the industry, individual players were in charge of the game, as way of encouraging self and co-regulation.
In his opening remarks. H.E McCarter emphasised on the need to support the need to support the efforts the media is making to promote good governance and that the US will continue to do this in terms of training aid for journalists in Kenya.
“The power of media lies in the fact that with transparency comes accountability. However, media must exercise its freedom with caution- it brings credibility. Be careful to avoid accepting handouts and bribes. Be courageous, adhere to the truth even if you don’t like it,” said the envoy.
On Access to Information National Gender and Equality Commission Priscilla Nyokabi challenged journalists to Utilise the Access to Information Act 2016, by filling requests for information especially while doing I investigative stories.
Nominated Member of Parliament Dennitah Ghati encouraged media to mainstream issues of women and People living with disabilities: “ Media has to provide space for women with disabilities to lead and participate , the only portrayal we see in media is about the vulnerability of these groups. The media needs to stay above these prejudices.
Kenya Union of Journalists Secretary General Mr. Eric Oduor called for fair compensation of journalist for the services they render to media Houses .
Nation Media Group CEO Mr. Stephen Gitagama regretted that Media in Kenya has become the object of hate, mistrust and scorn, constantly being lambasted for telling the truth. “There is a belief that media engages in corruption, takes bribes in exchange for stories. So far, no evidence has been derived. Even so, it is still a concern and should be significantly discussed.”
H.E Lisa Stadelbauer the Canadian High Commissioner to Kenya noted that fake news has become the bane of todays journalism, and asked journalists to strive to seek the truth and report it religiously
“There’s an incredible power in journalists to tell the truth.”