Dear all, A very good example of abuse of media freedom is what is happening with the MUNGIKI issue. Everything done out there by any criminals is blamed on MUNGIKI even before it has been properly investigated. Please do not mistake me in this.... I ain't saying that they are not criminals, for heavenly sake they are, but that we should make sure we confirm they are the ones who did it before we report. The result is that even thugs will do anything and make sure they at least mention the word MUNGIKI to their victims. Also because of the upsurge of the reports on MUNGIKI we are actually glorifying their actions and making them feel they are real heroes. The way it is being reported.... you would think there is no government or police or that the government is doing absolutely nothing about it. Something definitely needs to be done about media freedom... the aim I hope is not to clip their wings or fix them, but to make them always think deeply of what they are reporting before they go on air. This happens in any profession and journalism should not be an exception. -----Original Message----- From: kictanet-bounces+jkagwe=aforbes.co.ke@kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+jkagwe=aforbes.co.ke@kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of Brian Longwe Sent: 01 June 2007 02:51 To: Kagwe James Subject: Re: [kictanet] Media Bill 2007. Bwana Ndemo, I could not agree with you more. I have been appalled and dismayed at the outrageous response that has come about regarding the Media Bill. The mere fact that it is a Bill means that this is the time for whoever has anything to change/remove/add should do it. It is not yet a law until it has passed public review, parliamentary review and government review. I was even shocked today to hear some politicians who I used to have respect for referring to it as a draconian law designed to stifle and control - I don't even think the individual had any idea about the background and origin of the Bill. I think it's time for truth and clarity to come forth. Brian On May 31, 2007, at 8:57 PM, bitange@jambo.co.ke wrote:

Dear All, Our media continue publish one sided stories. In my view it is important that we shed some light on the Media Bill and the Integrity of the Industry.

It should be obvious that integrity in media is of great importance to the public, to individual journalists and their institutions, and to the health of the media enterprise. The increasing social, economic, and political significance of media has led to greater demands that journalists and their institutions be held accountable when using public funds. Media subjects and their families expect journalism to do what is necessary to minimize the risks posed by irresponsible reporting. Society rely on the honesty and competency of professionals, and society's confidence in and support for media rests on public trust in the integrity of journalists and their institutions. It is incumbent upon the media community to create and nurture an environment that both promotes high ethical standards and preserves public trust in journalistic inquiry.

Yet, all is not well in the media community. Several high-profile incidents, ranging from blatant disregard for the principal of objectivity, to the fabrication of articles, to the death of breadth of subjects outside politics, have raised concerns about the integrity of those engaged in media. During the past year, we have seen too many instances of media misconduct, like the front page pictures of Matheri's innocent children. Another leading daily fabricates a story that an opposition leader visits State house. Who will forget the Hope FM incident where innocent lives were lost yet the Government was blamed for not taking action in advance. Incidents such as these have in most cases tainted the noble profession of journalism. The Media Bill is indeed Media Council Bill just like the Nursing Council Act, Medical Practitioner's Act, etc. Lawyers, Pharmacists, Architects, Engineers all subscribe to some Act of Parliament to guard against their own excesses and the consumers.

In the past few days we have witnessed Media at its worst - manipulating public opinion - by only telling one side of the story in the process breaching their own ethical standards. Check all articles on Media Bill. They have even gone to the extent of gathering a number of activists and calling such meetings as stakeholder. Government which is a major stakeholder (supplies 90% of the news through KNA to Media houses) is not even invited. Not one of those meeting that they have entertained the other side of the of the story. This indeed should be the very reason why the Media Council must step in to advise on media's responsibilities.

In Tanzania where the same process is going on, views are analyzed from both sides. Media does not retract on their word. Despite the fact media developed the current Media Council Bill, they continue to argue that Government did not consult stakeholders. You now understand why a good constitution was defeated. Should we allow a few individuals to make decisions that affect our future? There is imminent danger if media is not regulated simply because they have not managed to regulate themselves without statutes. Do you want to see another Hope FM scenario? Vernacular stations are preaching Venom and if it gets worse, you know who the media will blame.

Our only hope is that we are increasingly becoming a knowledge society and Internet with or without print and electronic media will enable us to communicate. Media has refused to publish alternative views on the Media Bill. Luckily they cannot mislead everbody.

Ndemo

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