The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has called out community radio stations that blatantly breach journalistic ethics.
MCK CEO David Omwoyo says the unprofessional conduct of some grassroots media outlets has impacted the credibility of the useful media platforms.
"Some community radio stations have no regard for quality and adherence to the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism in Kenya and should be called out to avoid putting the entire localised media into disrepute. There must be application of journalistic standards across all media houses in the country", Mr Omwoyo told community radio managers at a sustainability mentorship meeting in Nairobi.
He said the liberalisation of Kenya's airwaves in the early 90s has seen exponential growth of community media,which has boosted access to information in the country. He however, said this needed control.
"Some community radio stations operate like kiosks and do not adhere to labour laws including mistreating staff even when they have returns. Such stations are spoiling the good name of the industry", said Mr Omwoyo.
The MCK boss at the same time commended community media outlets that continued upholding ethics despite the tough operating environment.
"It is pleasing to note that some of the best entries we receive at our Annual Journalism Excellence Awards (AJEA) come from community radio stations. I urge that this is pushed even further.
He pledged the Council's support to community media through various interventions, including grants and opening up opportunities for industrial placement of media and communication students.
He advised the radio stations to utilise the expanding digital space and diversify their earnings through innovative programming.
He encouraged the radio stations to ensure quality through research and employing qualified personnel.
"You must know your audiences in order to make your brand that people want to come to and to associate with", he said.
Attendees of the meeting who included members of the Association of Kenya Community Media Operators (AKCMO) decried the harsh economic environment the local media outlets were operating under and appealed to the Council for support.
AKCMO Chairman Daniel Waturu commended MCK for its efforts to support community media through its various programme including training and accreditation.
“These training opportunities have significantly contributed to fostering professionalism in the way community radio journalists package news. Accrediting these journalists has also ensured that they maintain high standards of professionalism”, he said.