David,

What happens if the media campaign succeeds, the bill is not signed and Parliament fails to override thus killing the bill? Section 88 will remain where it is and neither the media nor the public will have gained.

The media could gain some traction by objectively covering the bill in its entirety. The media could do well to inform readers of what's new, what's positive and what's negative. A well reasoned approach would reveal for instance concerns revolving around the appointment of officials to the commission or positives such as the bill's approach to e-crimes. The media's approach needs to embrace diplomacy and be willing to engage in compromise. For instance instead of calling for the deletion of section 88, the media could seek common ground and offer among its alternative suggestions to deletion, provisions that prevent abuse of section 88.

While the media did not mobilise the masses, the media appears to be engaged in what could end up inciting those who have already "self mobilised" or are united as a result of food insecurity and related economic issues. The media and the public stand to gain nothing by taking advantage to fuel a volatile situation.

The media already has painted a bad image of itself, through the actions of a few. It is likely that the chief executives of media establishments could have sought audience with the President and/or the PM to discuss their concerns and made more traction in getting the bill sent back to Parliament than have individuals engage in disruptions and heckling. A rational approach has a better chance of succeeding than an antagonistic one. The media hopefully has that in mind as they plan their next move.

On Sun, Dec 14, 2008 at 8:37 AM, <dmakali@yahoo.com> wrote:

That's not true. You have obviously exaggerated in trying to put across your cheap propaganda. Ndemo was on k24 this morning and he was of course not opposing the bill. Plus, you should ask yourself, who has come out to support the bill and not been given airtime.
Yes, the media is campaigning, but it has not yet agreed or employed any of the strategies you have listed. Their time is coming. And we don't need to go to previous regimes to show brutal attacks against the media. The worst have taken place under the current regime!
You have more to be grateful than disgusted with the media. Be just a little more reflective and considerate otherwise your diabolical hatred of the media lacks foundation.
David
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