The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has called for the visibility of animal welfare through collaboration with animal welfare groups.
MCK Director for Media Training and Development Victor Bwire has said that stories on animal welfare are often overlooked noting the importance of collaboration to spotlight such issues.
“The media’s portrayal of animals can shape public opinion, influence legislation and policies aimed at protecting or exploiting them”, he said during a training for journalists organised by Brooke East Africa.
He urged the participants to utilise digital tools to enhance the promotion of animal rights, as the convergence of animal rights and digital media offers a compelling yet unexplored realm of animal welfare.
“Gone are the days when discussions about animal welfare were confined to the sidelines of society and discussed amongst a few people. We have witnessed a seismic shift, where the welfare of domesticated animals is a rallying cry for change that can be amplified through the media”, he noted.
Brooke East Africa Regional Director Dr Raphael Kinoti emphasised the role of the media in reporting animal welfare, health, advocacy and policy.
“Media is a powerful tool that can amplify the lives of animals, foster awareness and understanding or cast a dark shadow on their existence through exploitation and abuse. As an institution, we hope this training offers an opportunity to influence the lives of your audiences, as well as shape animal advocacy”, he said.
MCK Assistant Director for Training and Curriculum Development Christine Nguku echoed the need for the media to churn out stories that positively influence animal welfare initiatives.
“When highlighting stories about animal welfare, it is important to go beyond the ordinary stories. There is a need to give your audience a different perspective that they will enjoy and draw lessons from. The media needs to spark impactful awareness campaigns that foster a supportive community dedicated to animal welfare”, she noted.