The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) is calling for responsible generation and consumption of content.
MCK CEO Mr David Omwoyo says technological advancements have revolutionised content generation, making it easy for anyone to curate content at their convenience.
“Content generation has become very easy because of advances in technology and widespread Internet connectivity. It is therefore critical that we must be aware of our environment and act responsibly”, he said when he officiated the second Hilary Ng’weno International Conference at Moi University.
He called for adherence to ethics when disseminating information, saying it will guard against fake news and misrepresentations.
“Technological advancements, including the growth of Artificial Intelligence, present new challenges and opportunities to both content producers and consumers. This, therefore calls for enhanced vigilance”, he said.
Mr Omwoyo at the same time urged content creators to uphold balanced reporting by giving news sources equal opportunities.
The MCK CEO called for preservation of information to enable generational knowledge and reference by current content producers.
“The widening digital divide is a major threat to availability of data and information. Africa lacks critical data, including historical, and as we discuss sustainability in the digital age, we need to reflect on how to preserve the information. We need to uphold African literature", he said.
He called for enhanced collaborations and information exchange as key ways of ensuring sustainability of information generation, dissemination, consumption and preservation.
Moi University Vice Chancellor Prof Isaac Kosgey said the conference comes at a critical milestone for the university as it marks 40 years of existence.
Prof Kosgey hailed the late Hilary Ng'weno for his immense contribution to press freedom in Kenya, saying it laid the foundation for Kenya's vibrant media.
He said the conference is timely as it comes at a time characterised by disruptive digital technologies for the media industry.
"This meeting is appropriate, coming at a time of changing information landscape amidst rapid spread of technology. Let us utilise this time for a reflection on information flow in the age of disruptive technology", he said in a speech read on his behalf by the Deputy Vice Chancellor - Academics, Research, Extension and Student Affairs at the university Prof Isaac Kimengi.
Prof Kosgey commended the late Ng'weno for his dedication to professional journalism in Kenya, adding that his support to the Moi University School of Information Sciences is a clear testimony to his commitment.
“Moi University honours and appreciates the late Ng’weno and his family for the resource centre at our school of information sciences. This will go a long way in buttressing various efforts towards sustainability of information generation, dissemination and consumption”, said Prof Kosgey.
The two-day conference themed Sustainability of information generation, dissemination, consumption and preservation in the age of disruptive digital technologies will see 42 papers presented and graced by five keynote speakers.
The late Ng’weno is credited with shaping the media and publishing industry in Kenya, making him an icon in both print and broadcast spaces. Before his demise, his works were donated to the School of Information Sciences at Moi University, resulting in the establishment of the Hilary Ng’weno Centre for East Africa Media Research in 2015.