As part of figuring out the whole drama regarding this media bill debate, the beginning point has been the Media Bill itself (Apparently, last weeks bill that has caused so much fracas is actually not the Media Bill). The assessment of the contentious bill coming up shortly. Here are some points from the Media Bill 2013, that all journalists are supposed to know before they call themselves journalists ... Apparently our media knew of these couple of expectations when they were showing us Kenyans being shot by terrorists at Westgate? [I still cant get my mind over the dude at the entrance of Nakumatt and the ones inside the cafe, who we saw being shot by the terrorists. Was it necessary to show that on prime time tv?]. Please note that no action was taken on the stations most probably because nearly all stations showed that footage. Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism ... 4. Accountability Journalists and all media practitioners should recognize that they are accountable for their actions to the public, the profession and themselves. They should— (a) actively encourage adherence to these standards by all journalists and media practitioners; (b)respond to public concerns, investigate complaints and correct errors promptly; (c) recognise that they are duty-bound to conduct themselves ethically. ... 9. Obscenity, Taste and Tone in Reporting (a) In general, journalists should avoid publishing obscene, vulgar or offensive material unless such material contains a news value which is necessary in the public interest. (b) In the same vein, publication of photographs showing mutilated bodies, bloody incidents and abhorrent scenes should be avoided unless the publication or broadcast of such photographs will serve the public interest. ... 22. Acts of Violence The media should avoid presenting acts of violence, armed robberies, banditry and terrorist activities in a manner that glorifies such anti-social conduct. Also, newspapers should not allow their columns to be used for writings which tend to encourage or glorify social evils, warlike activities, ethnic, racial or religious hostilities.
Posted on: Mon, 04 Nov 2013 10:50:03 +0000
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