29 May The Activism Temptation and Journalists Role in Building National Cohesion
When you picture an activist, what do you see? Maybe it is someone out on the streets, holding a placard high, their voice hoarse from shouting for change. Or it is a face on TV or a voice on radio, speaking or arguing passionately about a cause. For activists, the issues they fight for are deeply personal. They are mostly what defines who they are.
Now, think of the journalist. You might see them holding a microphone, notebook, camera, or audio recorder, sometimes in the same crowd as the activist, or pointing their gadgets at the activists but with a different assignment. The journalist’s job is to document the events of the day and later package them, in a traditional sense, for the audience, helping them make sense of what happened in a news story.
Journalists and activists often find themselves in the same spaces and at times may share passion for a certain issue, but their responsibilities to society are not the same. What sets them apart is the journalist’s obligation to stay objective and guided by the strict and sacred code of conduct. For an activist, they are subjective and driven by advocacy relying on the freedom of expression.
This delicate balance was at the center of discussion during a recent training session organized by FELT Africa Group, where radio journalists and presenters from western Kenya gathered at a hotel in Kisumu City to gain insights on ethical reporting for national cohesion. Many participants stated that they sometimes struggle to cover issues that are close to their hearts without crossing the line from journalist to activist.
After all, journalists are not just observers on the sideline, they are also human beings who live among the communities they report on or about. The journalist may naturally feel the urge to take a side or take a stand, especially on issues involving injustices, human suffering, or even politics.
As tempting as that may be, championing a cause while performing one’s duty as a journalist means crossing the boundaries of ethical journalism and going against the journalism code of conduct. Activists, on the other hand, are not guided by a professional code of conduct. They are free to devise ways of fighting for what they believe in, they are driven by passion.
The discussions interrogated cases like reporting on human rights abuses or police brutality, where the line between advocacy and objectivity can feel blurry. There was a shared observation that, in moments like these, even the most seasoned journalists can struggle to stay neutral. On politics, the journalists were reminded that, although they may have their political views, they must maintain objectivity and professionalism.
Veteran and award-winning journalist Adow Jubat, drawing on over twenty years of experience, offered some guidance based on case studies from his professional career. He reminded the radio journalists that while both roles are important in society, journalism and activism are very different. Journalism is rooted in objectivity, impartiality, and accuracy. Activism, in its subjective form, is driven by advocacy for a specific cause, to influence public opinion or policy, take a clear stance, and promote a particular angle.
The presenters were encouraged to use simple and neutral language in their radio shows or when reporting on issues affecting the community. They were also advised to steer clear of conflicts of interest, and always uphold high ethical standards, especially during polarized times where emotive topics can be taken out of context.
One scenario cited by the participants was cases where individuals or groups seek airtime on the radio to promote their agendas. Adow advised the journalists to carefully interrogate the motives of these groups and any potential studio guests, and while in studio strive for balance to ensure both sides are heard or represented, always seek feedback from their audience, and remember to stay out of the story as opposed to the activist who is central to their story.
Political activists are often mobilized to push party agendas, especially in the run-up to elections, or for the Kenyan case, where the nation is in a constant political mood, in these kinds of cases radio hosts and journalists were reminded that to ensure that society remains peaceful and protect their credibility, they must choose their topics of discussion carefully to avoid stoking division and always give voice to opposing views.
It was the general observation from the trainers that it is very easy to cause tension within a community if opposing views are not given an equal chance to be heard. Radio hosts who turn to activism often end up denying the other party an opportunity to express their opinion and, in the end, lose sight of objectivity. This can lead to media losing credibility which is a threat to national cohesion.
The journalists were reminded that their greatest strength is their credibility and to achieve that they must remain fair, truthful, and balanced.
The FELT Africa Group training benefited 20 radio presenters from various radio stations targeting audiences in western Kenya and broadcasting in Swahili and vernacular languages.
Similar training sessions are planned for journalists working in radio stations targeting the Nyanza region audiences.