The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has stressed the need to conduct research on pertinent issues affecting society to create deep awareness and understanding among the audiences.
MCK Manager for Research Planning and Strategy Leo Mutisya said explaining certain terms associated with climate change will enable the audiences relate more and take appropriate action.
“Journalists are entrusted with the responsibility of informing audiences on a number of issues affecting the society. Climate change is not a new phenomenon but there are certain terms that need to be broken down to enhance understanding,” said Mr Mutiysa. Speaking during a climate change sensitisation forum for Kitui journalists, he urged reporters to conduct thorough investigations on the usage of monies allocated to counties for mitigation measures.
Mr Mutisya spoke on the effects of climate change on society saying that women and children are mostly affected.
“Climate change majorly affects women and children. It is one of the threats to the progression of human rights,” he said.
He asked the journalists exhaustively to report on environmental justice and the factors around it.
“Environmental justice touches on access to information, public participation, and access to justice on environmental matters,” he said.
He affirmed the Council’s commitment to work with media houses on content production.
“Some media houses have been flagged for unethical reporting in our media monitoring reports. The Council is ready to work with you to enhance your capacity to produce ethical content”, he mentioned.
MCK Officer for Research Eric Ndung’u emphasised the need for research to support reporting on climate change.
He said that the Council conducted research on the coverage of the Africa Climate Summit to gauge journalists' understanding of climate change.
“The research was based on ethical issues observed during the reporting period as well as accuracy matters on climate change,” he said.
MCK Media Analyst Bernard Muinde gave an overview of the media monitoring process. He said there had been a positive reporting of climate change from local media houses and implored journalists to bring out the effects of climate change on education and health.