I like the debate, and as a scholar and former editor, I would like to state the following. It is simplistic to consider the media as a mirror of society, or reality. What we often see is a selective coverage of issues based on a criteria privileging profitability particularly for the commercial media. in other words, whilst we may consider the mirror argument (empiricism - the objective view that media give us a 'true' reflection of reality), there is also the constructivist argument which tells us that whereas the media may tell us what is happening, we construct our own interpretations of reality based on lived experiences etc. I think the media in Kenya has become too commercial, and whatever content is offered is based on the notion its marketability (the more customers/buyers you have, the more profit you make via advertising etc) rather than 'genuine' public interest. Lots of issues to debate and we can do this forever. Having said that, I am now on the way to Banjul for AfriNIC 16 where issues of IPv6, cyber security etc. will be discussed. There are a few delegates from Kenya who belong to this list so this will be an interesting forum to see how ready we are for IPv6 deployment, internet development etc. Will keep members of this forum posted. Best, George Nyabuga

Totally. But even as it does so, it will invariably mirror the values, concerns and contradictions of that society.

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