21 May Objectivity & Ethical Journalism In The Face of Editorial Interference
For journalists across the globe, particularly in Africa, navigating the complex relationship between media ownership, political influence, and professional ethics remains a challenge.
In Kenya, where governance and development have been devolved and the existence of powerful county governments, leaders often view local radio as a powerful platform to shape public opinion and drive their personal agendas, especially in politically active regions. The politicians sometimes use every means possible to attempt to control the narrative and this in turn puts the radio stations and journalists at a vulnerable spot.
These cases mostly put radio journalists in a tough spot dealing with questions such as whether they should interrogate an objective public agenda or surrender their societal role to politicians and media owners with vested interests. The consequences are significant, not only for the journalists but for the entire fabric of national cohesion and democracy all because principles of journalism are ignored.
Addressing Editorial Interference: A Growing Concern
Editorial interference was one of the key issues interrogated in a professional discussion during a recently concluded training session organized by FELT Africa Group in Kisumu City, which brought together radio journalists and media practitioners from Western Kenya and those working in media stations targeting the western region.
The three-day workshop was a safe space for participants to engage in candid discussions that included the realities of editorial interference where media owners often with political ties pressure journalists to skew coverage or silence opposing views and how it affected their work. Many of the journalists face the threat of losing their jobs if they oppose these demands or at least have been threatened with a sack.
Veteran journalists and a legal expert led the training sessions, sharing practical advice and real-world experiences on upholding journalistic integrity in the face of such pressures. The participants recounted cases where they were forced to host guests who promoted a one-sided agenda or blocked from interviewing individuals perceived as representatives of opposing voices or political opponents of radio station owners who are serving politicians.
The trainers advised that editorial interference undermines not only professional ethics but also the media’s credibility and the principle of fair representation. It also leads to audience mistrust which may trigger conflict perpetuated by biased media. The participants were cautioned that as Kenya heads to elections in the coming two years, journalists should always strive to uphold their integrity through professional ethical practices.
Self-Censorship Sometimes Rooted in Perceived, Not Real, Threats from Media Owners
During the discussion, participants sought advice on handling the pressures that arise when journalistic integrity conflicts with the interests of media owners. It was pointed out that sometimes the fear of losing one’s job for publishing stories that appear to challenge ownership is based on assumptions.
Veteran journalist and Managing Editor of Nairobi Law Monthly, Ng’ang’a Mbugua, who was one of the trainers shared a personal example, explaining that when he was working in one of the leading media houses in Kenya, he did stories that cast media owners in a negative light, yet never faced threats of dismissal or any actual repercussions. This experience highlights that, in some cases, self-censorship among journalists is rooted in the fear of potential consequences rather than any explicit threat from ownership.
The radio journalists were advised to find the courage to pursue stories, even when it felt like they might be going against demands of the media owners, as the reality may be far less risky than imagined.
As highlighted in the discussions, self-censorship can sometimes also lead to mistrust which in turn paints a picture of biased media. In a polarized society, mistrust of the media may fuel conflict.
Building Skills for Ethical Journalism
The FELT Africa Group’s training has been designed to empower journalists with the tools and confidence to navigate these challenges. Through interactive discussions and case studies including major defamation cases and coverage in times of conflict, journalists explored strategies for maintaining objectivity, balancing facts and opinions in polarized environments, and adhering to the journalists’ code of conduct.
One key takeaway from the trainers was that integrity and credibility are the cornerstones of journalism. By following the code of conduct, journalists can protect their profession and the public trust, even in the face of external pressures.
Fostering National Cohesion Through Responsible Media
As Kenya approaches another election, the stakes for ethical journalism are higher than ever. When certain voices are excluded from the airwaves, it threatens national unity and cohesion. The FELT Africa Group’s training initiative is a timely reminder of the role of journalists in fostering inclusive dialogue and upholding democratic values.
Journalists were reminded of their first duty which is to the motherland and why radio journalists and other media practitioners should strive to maintain a cohesive society when handling sensitive topics. Inclusive media narratives are the cornerstone of economic stability, public trust and increased policy uptake.
The overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants, who included seasoned professionals and young journalists, underscores the importance of continuous professional development and peer support.
Such trainings equip radio journalists with practical skills and ethical grounding thereby contributing to a credible media landscape in Kenya.
With a proven track record of empowering media professionals, FELT Africa has positioned itself as an industry leader in offering curated media trainings that advance cohesion and partners with key public and private institutions to ensure that journalists are equipped with skills to uphold integrity in a complex media environment.
Through its ongoing media trainings targeting radio stations that include vernacular radio stations at the local level FELT Africa has reached more than 70 journalists across the country.