The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has called for regional collaboration in aligning media regulation to the changing operating environment.
MCK CEO David Omwoyo pointed out the gaps in the journalism code of conduct noting its lack of relevance to the current media landscape.
He said this while alluding to the borderless technological advancements in the media space, creating a need for review.
“The code of conduct for journalists in the region needs to be relooked and aligned with the current media and communication landscape, influenced by technology and innovation”, he said during a preparatory meeting with the Chairperson of the Network of Independent Media of Councils of Africa (NIMCA) ahead of the Pan African Media Summit.
Mr Omwoyo, who is also the Secretary of the East Africa Press Councils (EAPC) briefed the officials on the region’s readiness to host the summit. He further advocated for in-country fundraising as part of the global budgeting to ensure the success of the event.
NIMCA President and the Executive Director of the Media Council of Tanzania Mr Ernest Sungura reiterated the need for African media leaders to review the current media landscape across the continent with a focus on media freedom, public accountability and the impact of sustainable development and democracy.
The Pan African Media Summit will take place in Arusha Tanzania from 1st-5th July this year. It will bring together media practitioners, scholars, researchers and delegates from the World Association of Press Councils (WAPC), EAPC and NIMCA.
The expected outcomes include sharing best practices on media regulation, press freedom, ethical journalism in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the crisis of funding and sustainability faced by media and regulatory bodies.