Nanyuki – At a recent two-day workshop in Nanyuki, the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) emphasized the importance of professionalism in journalism, extending this standard to social media and artificial intelligence (AI) use.
According to Kenya News Agency, the council is actively developing guidelines to promote objective reporting across all media platforms.
Bwire addressed journalists and civil society representatives, highlighting the MCK’s efforts to combat unprofessional practices on social media platforms. He stressed that the guidelines under development will address irresponsible reporting and misuse of these platforms. The initiative is a response to the challenges posed by the rapidly evolving media landscape, where misinformation and disinformation are prevalent.
The MCK’s focus is not only on regulating content but also on empowering media consumers. Bwire noted the critical role of media and digital literacy in enabling the public to discern biases in media, influenced by advertisers, owners, and journalists. He urged Kenyans to become responsible consumers of media content, understanding the various biases that may exist.
In his remarks, Bwire reassured that the media is not a rogue industry but one under oversight. He encouraged individuals whose rights have been violated by media content to report these instances to regulatory bodies rather than targeting individual journalists.
Additionally, residents of Laikipia were encouraged to use their social media spaces constructively. Suggestions included sharing local content, weather updates for farmers, and messages promoting peaceful coexistence and national values. This approach aims to foster a responsible and beneficial use of media platforms at the community level.