The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) Mombasa Regional Coordinator Maureen Mudi has urged media and communication students to harness benefits of the digital economy while pursuing their studies.
Ms Mudi who spoke to media students at Kenya Coast National Polytechnic during a career talk encouraged the students to adopt technology in the face of changing media landscape.
She urged the students to be innovative and unique while upholding discipline and persistency in their pursuit of excellence in their studies.
“The changing media dynamics has seen many journalists and content creators seeking innovative ways to create content, and this has seen the growth of digital media platforms run by such individuals. Let’s create a niche and venture into spaces that have untapped platforms in the digital space”, said Mudi.
She reminded the students on the importance of being accredited, emphasising that accreditation is equally critical for them as future media workers as it allows easy access to information from duty bearers on matters of national interest. She added that only those who have valid press cards can gain access to MCK grants, trainings and internship placements.
“As part of safeguarding media freedom and enhancing professionalism through setting media standards and ensuring compliance, familiarise yourselves with the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism in Kenya and also I want to encourage you to be accredited and tap into the newly revamped press card which has advanced security features”, she added.
Kenya Coast National Polytechnic Head of Department Charles Kimanthi urged the students to tap into the knowledge they learn in class and apply it when out in the field.
“Getting knowledge here is not enough, you have to exercise what you have learnt in class by ensuring that you are aware of what is happening around you in the media sphere”, he said.
Diploma in Journalism Studies, students applauded MCK’s efforts to bring sanity to the industry, saying it was the move in the right direction. They challenged MCK to encourage media owners to hire personnel with journalism qualifications to enhance professionalism.