Radio remains a trusted source of information and a key tool for public awareness.
At this year’s World Radio Day celebrations organised by the Media Council of Kenya’s Mombasa Regional office, stakeholders emphasised the need for concerted efforts to harness radio’s power in the fight against climate change.
Mombasa County Deputy Governor Francis Thoya stressed the urgency of this year’s theme, Radio and Climate Change, pointing to the region’s vulnerability to rising sea levels and environmental degradation.
“I urge journalists to embrace new technologies like Artificial Intelligence, data analytics and real-time monitoring to enhance climate journalism”, he said, highlighting the importance of digital adaptability in climate reporting.
MCK Mombasa Regional Coordinator Maureen Mudi urged journalists to explore impactful climate stories beyond political reporting.
“Journalists must look at the bigger picture and tell stories that inspire change. Climate reporting offers an opportunity to shape policies and influence communities toward sustainable solutions”, she noted.
She also mentioned MCK’s Africa Media Academy, which offers specialised training to help journalists navigate the evolving media landscape.
The event was also attended by Mombasa County’s Executive Committee Member for Water, Natural Resources and Climate Change Resilience Emily Achieng, Kenya Ports Authority Communications Director Jones Buchere, civil society representative Hezekiah Adika and academics from Mombasa Aviation College and the Technical University of Mombasa.
A panel discussion featuring media professionals and experts emphasised the importance of solution-driven journalism and integrating technology into climate reporting, reaffirming radio’s evolving role in addressing societal issues through innovative storytelling.