The Media Council of Kenya has begun a three-day election reporting training for interns attached to various media houses across the country.
Mr Victor Bwire, the Council’s Director for Media Training and Development, stated that the training was critical because it would provide the interns with the necessary skills to cover elections.
“You will play a larger role, particularly for those who will be involved in election reporting.” “We believe that this training will provide you with the necessary skills to report professionally in the upcoming election,” Mr Bwire said.
He also emphasised the Council’s expectations of the interns, stating that the program was designed to develop them professionally and as individuals.
“We have three expectations from you, conduct yourselves as professionals. This will aid in building your personal brand. Develop your character by building networks and sources and focus your stories on core issues affecting the citizens by practising solution-based journalism”, stated Mr Bwire.
Speaking on coverage of election issues, Mr Bwire urged the interns to adhere to the stipulated laws governing press freedom and their limitations.
“We also have an obligation to be truthful and factual to our voters, candidates and the country. Our bigger responsibility is around conflict-sensitive reporting. Article 33 of the constitution speaks about press freedom and its limitations. You are therefore required to use your agenda-setting role wisely when reporting on conflicts”, noted Mr Bwire.
He advised participants to read widely, talk to people when gathering information for stories, and avoid competing with people who are not journalists.
He instructed them to avoid using emotions in their reporting and instead to be fair, balanced, and accurate.
Mr David Aduda, the lead consultant for the MCK Industrial Placement Programme, welcomed the interns and informed them that election reporting training was included in the program because they were assigned to media houses at a critical time in the country’s history, as the country was about to hold its General Election.
“This important training will provide you with the direction and connections you need to cover stories.” It will also teach you how to inform and interrogate information, particularly figures thrown around by politicians.”
Mr. Aduda mentioned the difficulties journalists face when covering elections, calling it a “litmus test” for journalists due to the scrutiny and criticism they face during this time.
“As journalists, our skills are put to the test during elections.” We should be able to provide credible and accurate information because we have been entrusted with providing accurate information on the contestants and the credibility of the candidates,” said Mr Aduda.
The training will cover election coverage topics based on the MCK election reporting guidelines.
This is the second cohort of 165 students to benefit from the MCK Industrial Placement Programme, which has already benefited 315 final-year journalism and media students across the country.
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