Referendum Reporting Guidelines
Written by K.U.J

KUJ Trains Journalists on Referendum Reporting Guidelines

At least 80 journalists from 20 counties across Kenya participated in online training aimed at improving their coverage of the referendum debate in their media houses. 

The Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) organised four sessions  where reporters were briefed on best practices in referendum reporting.

This focused on editorial independence, accuracy, impartiality, how to conduct talk shows, research skills, media ethics, publishing public opinion polls, diversity and plurality of voices, protection of children and women, use of social media, fake news and misinformation. 

In addition, the training was aimed at creating an understanding of the referendum reporting guidelines for journalists and how they can apply them during the execution of their work in a manner that promotes accountability and stimulates free and fair public discourse. 

Issues discussed reflected on a broad range of the challenges journalists in Kenya face in accommodating discussions that revolve around:

  • Safety for journalists
  • Media ownership and how it affects editorial independence 
  • Welfare/ brown envelope and how affects their work 
  • Influence of advertisers
  • Interviewing skills
  • Media and diversity

The training session was facilitated by Mr Eric Oduor, Secretary-General KUJ, those also present from the consortium were: Ms Dinah Ondari, Media Council of Kenya, Mr Victor Bwire, MCK, Mr Sammy Muraya, Journalists for Human Rights, Mr Abraham Marita, Internews Kenya, Mr Jacob Nyongesa, MCK and Mr Wanyama Chebusiri, seasoned journalists and media consultant.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *