Even brave men respect life's limitations. One cannot afford to loose value regarding a decision that forces someone to choose sides.
Am saying this because as a journalist, we are the eye of the society and we ought to do journalistic endeavours in an objective way. We are supposed to be neutraL,not take sides.
But alas! We should achieve "balance", "objectivity", and "neutrality" when at the same time morality dictates that we ought to exercise empathy, sympathy and honesty??
Moral character defines a person but in journalism, intelligence defines a journalist.
When a riot occurs and innocent people die or suffer at the hands of another man's decision, how do we as journalists report?? We report in a manner that clearly shows we take sides, how? We instill pity for those who are suffering while at the same time instill rage towards those who are the masterminds and underdog causes of the violence.
Whatever the case, we do take sides although we report in a balanced way. i.e we give each side a fair platform to be heard but at the end there is always a side that the story or investigation lean towards.
In another case, I witnessed a person being burnt alive in the slum of Kibera after stealing a cheap phone, when journalists arrrived moments later to capture the ordeal, did they report anything beyond the boaders of the actual burning??
But when a minister or politician is caught in a scandal either sexual or corruption deals, do we not report beyond the boundaries of the scandal in concession with various running stories time and time again?? If we do not take sides, why do we report in a biased manner, taking prominence as a consideration yet human life is equal.
Why is it that when people scream in hunger around the numerous slums of Kenya, the media takes a numb look at the situation and gives a few seconds of airtime to the wailing mouths compared to a minister who visits the same slums time and again giving empty petty promises all over in different versions of stories??
Well, scholars will say that its about prominence as a jouranlistic news element, but an intelligent human being ponders on what grounds does the life of another man befit
the misery of a destitute with a slim future. So tell me, dont we take sides??
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
"oneway" forgotten journalsim
The media is supposed to represent the voice of the people, those who are in the upper class and those who are marginalised.
well, upto now, the media in kenya and East Africa is doing that relatively well but not in the expected way.
It is like giving a half bottle of water to a drought stricken individual with promises to give more after a few hours only to dissapear forever.
Let me make an example out of my statement, the case concerning Tom Cholemondely,the media did a huge task to keep the public informed on the new things and new findings made in the case upto the last moment when the guy was released from jail. Kudos!! Now what then?? i know many are asking themselves that what is there to report any more?? Of what relevance??
When we talk of dinity, we say the media nowadys treat human beings more like objects of sympathy than those who have even a brief sense of belonging and dignity, and I TOTALLY agree!!
How do we know that Tom is keeping to his promise of taking care of the late Njoya's family, education needs and other agreed terms!!
How are we supposed to know if the media does not do a follow up on such a case?
Take a look at the case concerning the self-confessed serial killers, after all the drama shown television, what is going on now?? Nothing!! instead we keep on following politicians day and night as they lead and mislead kenyans on the constitution, giving them onormous airtime on Tv as they repeat things they said yesterday than the amount of airtime given to victims of hunger, crime and other disater like problems.
When Mps decided to increase their salries, the media swung into parliament sending many reporters dayin day out do the same thing, forgetting all the other issues affecting the country at large. It is af if the cardinal rule of journalistic reporting is that once something new comes up it is a crime to focus on the other issues, thus they are left pending never to be touched on again, unless another serious "juicy" deatil swings into being.
There are so many people who crave to know more on most on a a most stories than less on very many stories. I think it is time to take up responsibility and accountability to a higher level.
well, upto now, the media in kenya and East Africa is doing that relatively well but not in the expected way.
It is like giving a half bottle of water to a drought stricken individual with promises to give more after a few hours only to dissapear forever.
Let me make an example out of my statement, the case concerning Tom Cholemondely,the media did a huge task to keep the public informed on the new things and new findings made in the case upto the last moment when the guy was released from jail. Kudos!! Now what then?? i know many are asking themselves that what is there to report any more?? Of what relevance??
When we talk of dinity, we say the media nowadys treat human beings more like objects of sympathy than those who have even a brief sense of belonging and dignity, and I TOTALLY agree!!
How do we know that Tom is keeping to his promise of taking care of the late Njoya's family, education needs and other agreed terms!!
How are we supposed to know if the media does not do a follow up on such a case?
Take a look at the case concerning the self-confessed serial killers, after all the drama shown television, what is going on now?? Nothing!! instead we keep on following politicians day and night as they lead and mislead kenyans on the constitution, giving them onormous airtime on Tv as they repeat things they said yesterday than the amount of airtime given to victims of hunger, crime and other disater like problems.
When Mps decided to increase their salries, the media swung into parliament sending many reporters dayin day out do the same thing, forgetting all the other issues affecting the country at large. It is af if the cardinal rule of journalistic reporting is that once something new comes up it is a crime to focus on the other issues, thus they are left pending never to be touched on again, unless another serious "juicy" deatil swings into being.
There are so many people who crave to know more on most on a a most stories than less on very many stories. I think it is time to take up responsibility and accountability to a higher level.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
which one is it??
yesterday, i met a person who asked me whether i liked people who mind the welfare of others or those whose welfare is to mind other people's business.
I said i didnt like any because some people make thier hobbies looking and critisising what does not involve thier conscience, if not, they are formulating ways in which they can destroy mutual relations between others, or relatively make others destroy themselves.
why would you ask for a date with someone you know is married or is in a strong relationship, why would you say, can i be more than a friend when you know your only chance is being just a friend??
which one is it, your welfare or other peolple's welfare??
which one would you choose, what is the need of prudent when you cant be a symbol of empathy to the ones around you!!
I said i didnt like any because some people make thier hobbies looking and critisising what does not involve thier conscience, if not, they are formulating ways in which they can destroy mutual relations between others, or relatively make others destroy themselves.
why would you ask for a date with someone you know is married or is in a strong relationship, why would you say, can i be more than a friend when you know your only chance is being just a friend??
which one is it, your welfare or other peolple's welfare??
which one would you choose, what is the need of prudent when you cant be a symbol of empathy to the ones around you!!
michael, will live
it is the most traumatising moment when our beloved king of pop is almost laid to rest. he filled music in the capacity that not only did it earn him respect but changed the world. He is a great icon to the lives of many, especially his fans like me, so lets us pray that his children may live to satisfy the glory of their father's legacy. farewell to micheal, he was a great person.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
some useful facts on ebola
Ebola hemorrhagic fever is one of the deadliest of a group of diseases called viral hemorrhagic fevers. They range in seriousness from relatively mild illnesses to severe and potentially fatal diseases.
Ebola viruses are found in Central Africa. The source of the viruses in nature remains unknown. Monkeys, like humans, appear to be susceptible to infection and might serve as a source of virus if infected.
Persons traveling to areas where Ebola hemorrhagic fever is occurring,hospital staff and family members who care for patients with Ebola hemorrhagic fever
Central African residents of rural areas and small towns are most susceptible to the virus.
People infected with Ebola virus have sudden fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat, followed by vomiting, diarrhea, rash, limited kidney and liver functions, and both internal and external bleeding. Death rates range from 50% to 90%.
Symptoms begin 2 to 21 days after infection.
fact sheet is for information only and is not meant to be used for self-diagnosis or as a substitute for consultation with a health-care provider. If you have any questions about the disease described above, consult a health-care provider.
Ebola viruses are found in Central Africa. The source of the viruses in nature remains unknown. Monkeys, like humans, appear to be susceptible to infection and might serve as a source of virus if infected.
Persons traveling to areas where Ebola hemorrhagic fever is occurring,hospital staff and family members who care for patients with Ebola hemorrhagic fever
Central African residents of rural areas and small towns are most susceptible to the virus.
People infected with Ebola virus have sudden fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat, followed by vomiting, diarrhea, rash, limited kidney and liver functions, and both internal and external bleeding. Death rates range from 50% to 90%.
Symptoms begin 2 to 21 days after infection.
fact sheet is for information only and is not meant to be used for self-diagnosis or as a substitute for consultation with a health-care provider. If you have any questions about the disease described above, consult a health-care provider.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
will paedophiles always stay hidden?
Paedophiles/sex offenders are "TERRORISING" innocent people around the world everyday.. Mainly offending against WOMEN and CHILDREN.. Sex crime affects many families,and is something that can happen to anyone's CHILD, relative,partner or friend.
Most of you would agree with us that JAIL is the best place for sex offenders..the FACT is, that the majority of them live in "unsuspecting" communities,possibly near schools/playgrounds etc...
Each year in England and Wales up to 5 - 9 children are abducted and killed.
Every day there are on average, 10 sex attacks on children.
64% of convicted paedophiles re-offend 4 or more years after their first conviction.
30% of offenders have had at least 10 child victims.
Home office figures show us there are approximately 110,000 convicted paedophiles that live in Britain (experts would put the figure at more like 230,000) and only 5,000 are on the sex offender ' s register. That means 95,000 live in communities and we don't have the right to know who or where they are.
dont you think its a high time for the states to educate the public on possible places that these fellas are hidding instead of waiting to haer of a case and that is when action seems to taken seriously??
Most of you would agree with us that JAIL is the best place for sex offenders..the FACT is, that the majority of them live in "unsuspecting" communities,possibly near schools/playgrounds etc...
Each year in England and Wales up to 5 - 9 children are abducted and killed.
Every day there are on average, 10 sex attacks on children.
64% of convicted paedophiles re-offend 4 or more years after their first conviction.
30% of offenders have had at least 10 child victims.
Home office figures show us there are approximately 110,000 convicted paedophiles that live in Britain (experts would put the figure at more like 230,000) and only 5,000 are on the sex offender ' s register. That means 95,000 live in communities and we don't have the right to know who or where they are.
dont you think its a high time for the states to educate the public on possible places that these fellas are hidding instead of waiting to haer of a case and that is when action seems to taken seriously??
does kenya have leaders!!
Humanitarian actors observed World Environment Day on 5 June by highlighting the humanitarian impact of climate change on already vulnerable populations in Kenya, and noting emerging non traditional beneficiary groups. Immediate impacts of climate change observed are poor crop production and increased food insecurity, pastoralist drop-outs, water scarcity, social conflicts caused by struggle for resources, increased natural disasters like floods & drought, migration. Some challenges noted in addressing some of the issues include lack of legislative policies to address climate change, poor funding, short term interventions that fail to link humanitarian operations to long term development initiatives.
The Government of Kenya and the African Development Bank concluded an agreement for a grant worth 1.5 billion KSH to help addressing disaster related issue as a consequence of the post election violence. The resources will be used to construct houses.
The question is, when will our leaders stop just saying and instead act, people are suffering out here!!
The Government of Kenya and the African Development Bank concluded an agreement for a grant worth 1.5 billion KSH to help addressing disaster related issue as a consequence of the post election violence. The resources will be used to construct houses.
The question is, when will our leaders stop just saying and instead act, people are suffering out here!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
