Embracing Ethical Journalism: Insights from the MCK Africa Media Academy Training
WAIHIGA K. MUTURI (MPRSK, CPM, RTN.) 🇰🇪
Social Enterprise & Impact Storytelling | Comms, Media, PR & Innovation Specialist | Community building & Training | Multi-Award/Fellow | Board Member | Internet Governance, Digital Rights & Developer Advocate | Corp. MC
On October 30th, after a three-year wait, I had the privilege of attending the Media Practitioners Training in Nairobi County, hosted by the MCK Africa Media Academy under the Media Council of Kenya (MCK). This program exemplifies MCK’s commitment to elevating journalism standards in Kenya by equipping media professionals with the skills needed in today’s challenging media landscape.
The Importance of Ethical Standards in Journalism
Ethical journalism serves as the foundation of trustworthy media.
At the core of our profession are universal values of truthfulness, fairness, and accountability, which were key focal points during our training. The Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism in Kenya requires us to avoid conflicts of interest and respect privacy, aligning with the highest standards in global journalism ethics. This framework emphasises balanced, non-sensational reporting, reinforcing the integrity that journalism must uphold in a democratic society.
The Evolution and Purpose of Journalism Codes
The roots of modern journalism can be traced back over 400 years, but it was in the 1900s that journalism began to be viewed as an essential service for society. Newspapers emerged with the idea of presenting "unbiased" information to the public, a goal that remains a cornerstone of journalistic practice today. As journalism, media, and society continue to evolve, the challenges associated with achieving this ideal persist, necessitating ongoing discussions in editorial meetings about how to ensure unbiased reporting. The dissemination of information in today's fast-paced media landscape requires newsrooms to remain vigilant—not just for their survival but for the communities that rely on their reporting. At its core, journalism is a service occupation designed to empower the public with truth, placing a significant responsibility on journalists, editors, and publishers alike.
The Cornerstones of Journalistic Ethics
Every country presents unique challenges and contexts regarding journalistic codes. Fundamental principles such as "truth," "accuracy," and "objectivity" are widely recognised as the cornerstones of journalism ethics. Journalists are encouraged to maintain a degree of detachment from the religions, groups, or nations they may be associated with to minimise biases in their reporting. This separation aims to reduce the influence of personal beliefs on journalistic integrity. In some countries, particularly those with strict governmental controls or cultural biases, there is often pressure to present information in a manner that aligns with specific ideologies or narratives. For instance, in certain Islamic nations, there is a growing concern that journalism is expected to portray Islam positively, framing it as the singular truth that citizens should embrace.
Historical Context and Development of Ethical Codes
Significant historical events and societal changes have influenced the evolution of journalistic ethics. Early codes of conduct emerged in the early 20th century as professional organisations sought to establish ethical standards for journalists. The American Society of Newspaper Editors adopted the Canons of Journalism in 1923, which laid down foundational principles such as responsibility, independence, truthfulness, and fairness. These principles were not merely rules but represented a commitment to serving the public with integrity (SPJ Code of Ethics).In the aftermath of World War II, a crisis in media credibility prompted further development of these codes. The Hutchins Commission (1947) emphasised accountability and responsibility within the media, highlighting journalism's vital role in democracy (History of Media Ethics). As we entered the digital age in the late 20th century and early 21st century, new ethical challenges arose—issues like online privacy breaches and misinformation became prevalent. Consequently, many journalism codes have been updated to address these modern dilemmas while still emphasising traditional values such as accuracy and transparency (Evolution and Impact of Codes).
Global Perspectives on Journalism Ethics
Today, there are approximately 400 different codes governing journalistic practices worldwide. While these codes vary significantly based on cultural contexts and legal frameworks, they generally share common elements: truthfulness, accuracy, independence, objectivity, fairness, and respect for individuals (Journalism Ethics and Standards). The global nature of media today means that journalists must navigate diverse ethical landscapes while maintaining their commitment to core principles. This complexity underscores the importance of ethical training programs that equip journalists with the tools necessary to uphold these standards in their reporting.
Key Training Modules
The training offered practical modules aimed at fostering ethical practices and developing essential skills:
1. Introduction and Climate Setting: Setting a conducive atmosphere for learning. Fiona Awuor, CPEA MPRSK
2. Ethics and Code of Conduct: A comprehensive look at Kenya’s journalistic standards.
The well-known Owino Opondo provided a concise summary of the Kenyan code of conduct for journalists by stating
The overall 'well-being' of the MCK code of conduct belies on the Constitution of Kenya (2010), emboding the fundamentals of:
- Article 33: Freedom of Expression,
- Article 34: Freedom of Media and
- Article 35: Access to Information.
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3. Navigating Misinformation, Disinformation, and Fact-Checking: Addressing information accuracy in the digital era.
In today’s journalism, distinguishing between misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation is critical to upholding trust. @Tony Oduor
- Misinformation: unintentionally shared false info, often a rumour from a misunderstanding.
- Disinformation: intentional falsehoods to deceive, common in political contexts.
- Malinformation: facts shared misleadingly to harm, such as selective data.
Fact-checking helps verify information and uphold accuracy. Tools like Google Fact Check Explorer, Fumbua, ClaimBuster and Snopes support journalists in debunking falsehoods.
Addressing contemporary challenges like the rise of misinformation on social media is most journalist's nightmare. The training highlighted the importance of fact-checking and responsible reporting—journalists must differentiate between facts and opinions and remain vigilant against misinformation. Additionally, modules covered essential support areas such as safety and emotional self-care, acknowledging the mental toll of reporting in high-stress environments.
4. Accreditation Guidelines: Reviewing standards for professional credibility.
It is important to note that the ethical storytelling training is NOT a journalist training course. These modules combined theory with hands-on insights, providing journalists with tools to enhance the quality and integrity of their work. And also provide an opportunity for accreditation. Rebecca Mutiso
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) plays a crucial role in upholding journalistic standards and ensuring ethical practices. Through its accreditation service, the MCK:
- Certifies Journalists: Assesses the competence and credibility of journalists, both local and foreign.
- Sets Standards: Develops and enforces ethical guidelines for media practitioners and organizations.
- Monitors Compliance: Ensures that media outlets adhere to set standards and regulations.
- Protects the Public: Safeguards public interest by promoting responsible journalism and holding media accountable.
By fulfilling these mandates, the MCK empowers journalists, strengthens the media industry, and ultimately significantly serves the Kenyan public.
Engaging Diverse Audiences in Training
To make future sessions even more inclusive and engaging, several approaches can be adopted:
A Call to Action
The evolution of journalism codes reflects an ongoing struggle to balance individual rights with the need for a free press capable of serving society's interests. As we confront new challenges posed by digital media and changing societal norms, journalists need to remain committed to ethical practices that prioritise truth and accountability. In light of these developments, media organisations and professionals must engage actively in discussions around ethical standards—ensuring that journalism continues to serve its fundamental purpose: empowering citizens with accurate information. Reaffirming our commitment to ethical journalism is more important than ever as we navigate a time of misinformation and rapidly evolving technologies.
Reflecting on the lessons learnt at the MCK Africa Media Academy, it’s evident that fostering ethical journalism is crucial for a democratic society. I urge fellow journalists and stakeholders to advocate for continuous professional development through initiatives like these. Engaging in such programs strengthens our skills and reaffirms our commitment to upholding high journalistic standards.
Let’s champion initiatives that promote integrity in journalism. Together, we can build a more informed society where journalism thrives on truth and accountability. As we navigate a complex media landscape, let’s stay dedicated to ethical journalism, for every story matters, and every voice deserves integrity.
For further reading on this topic: