OF A NEWSPAPER ERROR AND ETERNAL HORROR

In live news broadcasts, things can go terribly wrong, even after meticulous planning. However, there's always a predetermined cause of action that can be set in motion, to save the situation. But a newspaper publisher can only watch in horror, as an error remains in view for like an eternity. 

In the newspaper page above, what could have gone wrong?

• The printer encountered technical challenges that could not be resolved within the set publishing deadlines
• It was discovered very late during the publishing or editorial process that some content of this page had 'life-threatening' risks, and had to be blocked by all, or any means
• An insider was paid to sabotage the work of the affected columnists
• It was the newspaper's way of showing solidarity with the racial injustice protests, across the world

The earliest some clarification could be made by the publisher is the following day, whilst the reader would probably desire a more immediate understanding of the actual reason behind this anomaly.

Poor print media...richness in ways to save face...when calamity strikes...is beyond reach!

That's a luxury reserved for broadcasting, where editorial or technical challenges can be addressed almost instantaneously.

In a TV newscast, the director can take a commercial or go to a break, to buy time and reorganise, in the event that the program experiences challenges. 

Actually, the viewer might not even notice there's something wrong, unless the screen goes blank for more than 3 seconds or so.

For online or digital news outlets, mistakes can be rectified as soon as they are spotted, and apologies published thereafter.

For print media, some editorial or technical errors, indeed, can seem like horrors frozen in time.

EXAM RESULTS, MAD NEWSROOM DASH, CRAZY LISTS & INSANE ANALYSIS

Immediately after the announcement of the results for national examinations in Kenya, a mad dash ensues in newsrooms. The obsession of the moment becomes compiling a list of the top performers, and rankings, using all manner of parameters. And things can get crazy. Like how insane is it for the press to throw in a non-existent score, in the analysis?

In the published set of scores above, there's one that really stands out, among the outstanding performances.

Funny thing is that there isn't much of a big difference between that particular score and the ones before it, or even after.

If the top score is an 'A' followed by 'A-' then why would the editor throw in an 'A+' right after a bunch of A minuses? And bearing the same aggregate points an 'A-' performance?

Admittedly, it's not easy to put together such rankings at such a short notice, given that the information is largely sourced by making own contacts with parents or guardians of the students, because the government does not supply the data.

But due diligence and attention to details should always remain a top journalistic priority.

For allowing this error to pass through the editorial gatekeeping, this amounts to an epic fail.

OF HEADLINES AND EDITING HEADING NOWHERE

Processing of raw information is a painstaking yet indispensable activity, if the desired end product is high quality journalism. But sometimes, there appears to be more editorial disengagement than a meaningful collaboration, during the editing process.  This could lead to headlines heading nowhere.

In the headline for the newspaper article above, something is clearly amiss.

The sub-editor/headline writer most probably realised the space was inadequate to add another word that would have made the topline more sensible.

In line with the practise of chopping the content from the end, in the belief that the most important details are given priority from the beginning, a la inverted pyramid, a critical word was sacrificed.

Space constraint...well taken care of...But what is the resultant headline sensible?

Unless the intention is to indicate there is nothing to hide and the said scholarships are publicly being awarded, then the sense is warped, if not lost altogether.

This headline definitely needs a hospital admission!

ASSETS, DOUBLE NEGATIVES AND MEDIA CONFUSION

Confusion is not something any media outlet would want to propagate. A lot of motivation for the practise of journalism, is anchored on a need to make sense out of an abundance of confusion, especially in the information age. And this is then translates into a noble public interest service. That's why its perplexing to see confusing double negatives, evading editorial gatekeeping.

In the article above, the intention appears to have been to indicate that not all the main subject's assets, had been disclosed.

What we get instead is:

"...there could be some assets that have not been undisclosed."

This has the opposite effect of suggesting the said 'some assets' have been disclosed, which obviously contradicts the import of asserting that 'court documents also make no mention of any bank accounts'.

Does that make any sense to you?

Certainly not to me!

LEAVING BIRD IN LOCAL MEDIA HANDS & CHASING GLAMOROUS MONACO BIRDS

Kenyan media crews travelled thousands of kilometres to European shores, to cover the crowing of the World Male Athlete of the Year. But there was no reporter dispatched to the home of the eventual winner, who gave his acceptance speech from Kenya. In other words, the local media left the bird in hand in Kenya, and opted to chase many other glamorous birds in Monaco.

This editorial embarrassment went a notch higher, in one of the news reports sent from the venue, for a local broadcast.

There was no sense of shame in including a video conference clip of the winner in the story, given the irony of the TV channel not being able to get a reaction in its own neighbourhood.

You see, it was extremely likely that the World Athletics Awards will feature the Kenyan, and yet no effort seemed to have been made to cover this story from a local angle.

Granted. The awards ceremony could have been a live event, with a recorded insert of the winner giving his acceptance speech.

But there's hardly anything that could have prevented the local crews deployed to Monaco, from pre-taping or pre-interviewing the winner in anticipation, while still in Kenya.

Or is it a case of once beaten, forever shy of taking risks?

I do recall a nightmare scenario about 8 years ago, highlighted here, when one of the sports journalists dispatched to the recent awards ceremony, had an article published, proclaiming what he felt was a sure bet winner.

The only problem then, was that the organisers named somebody else, leading to one of the most glaring yet 'unreported' media contradictions.

One full blown article with the wrong 'winner' got copious prominence, while in the sports section of the same newspaper, another story by the same writer, got the facts right.

Yikes! Just don't do it.

WHEN SAME INFORMATION TAKES DIFFERENT FORMS

Kenya's mainstream newspapers are known to strive to differentiate their content, in a bid to retain their respective audiences. However, even publishers know that in the news business, there's little that can be done to render facts in one story differently. It's therefore quite odd to see the same information take different forms. The angles can differ but not the truth.

In the coverage of the story above, it appears like either one paper did not have it's facts right, or the other was being economical with the truth.

What is the title of the main subject in the story?

Paper 1 alludes to the fact that the Nairobi County Assembly Majority Leader is embattled but still in office.

Paper 2 though, refers to the same majority leader as having been ousted.

If one has not been following the going ons at the Nairobi County Assembly, this indeed could be quite confusing, and frustrating.

But for one who's familiar with recent developments of the same assembly, it would be very apparent that the main subject of this story is no longer holding his previous position.

And that then raises the question of why one simple fact can yield two interpretations.

Or, is this a credible editorial omission, or a commission of a discreditable edit?

RARE PASSION, MOTIVATION AND SELF-DRIVEN JOURNALISM

The journalism space in Kenya has experienced tremendous growth over the years. Naturally, as old hands exit the limelight, new faces light up the media landscape. But one aspect mostly amiss with the new talent, is the right motivation and passion for the job. That's why those who remain true to the cause, in a self-driven manner, need to be applauded.

One such individual is the writer of the newspaper article above, more known for TV business news reporting, but one who delights in engaging in a different news segment, on a different medium!

Now that is rare passion.

Away from the familiar territory of business coverage, he ventures into a not so well-known sport locally, and delivers it eloquently, such that the editor has no worries about giving the story almost an entire page.

It truly is an inspired initiative, especially given that not so many regular sports reporters have a grasp of the intrigues and mechanics of Formula One racing.

Vroom-vroom...Zoom away.... to greater heights...Alex!

EDITORIAL ABDICATION & REIGN OF ERRORS: THE FREE REIN EDITION

A newspaper of record should strive to uphold the highest standards. Errors are not always understandable. But admitting mistakes and publishing apologies is admirable. There's a thresh-hold, however, in the frequency of blunders, beyond which readers begin to question the credibility aspects and professional integrity. Editorial abdication often leads to a reign of errors.

For this 'reputable' Kenyan paper, there have been plenty of repugnant editorial bloopers, coming out of its production line, lately.

Even when it appears to be an effortless undertaking, like re-reading the headline and comparing it with the intro of the article below, the sub-editor elects to mix-up facts.

The headline talks of Kiir, the picture shows Machar and the Intro also makes reference to Riek Machar. So, the headline contradicts the article!

And how weird is it to see initials being used in a story, followed by a word that's supposed to be part of the initial initials.

If UoN stands for University of Nairobi, what does University of UoN mean anyway, if not total redundancy?

Even the best of columnists, are note spared the agony of this kind of editorial ignominy. Here, it appears like the difference between 'several times' and 'severally' is not so apparent.

Indeed, as a media entity celebrates 60 years of 'quality' journalism, it's not too much to expect that it's gatekeepers would be conversant with the geography of the region it operates in.

I mean, how ignorant is it to state, nay, publish for posterity, the fallacy of Tanzania being a land-locked country?

Like it has been pointed out here so, so many times, there's an elaborate newsroom and production process, to ensue there's a minimal number of errors, before a newspaper hits the news stand.

The optimal situation is to have a flawless press.

But impressive as that aspiration maybe, it's simply not achievable.

There's, however, the expectation that if all the responsible hands do a good job, then the outcome will not be bad for the brand.

Losing sight of the principle of editorial oversight can lead to very unsightly publications.

It's a pity that even petty mistakes have become pretty much normal.

One could be easily tempted to conclude that the casual manner in which these articles are proof-read, reflects the seriousness accorded to fact-checking or cross-checking of details before they are published.

It's good for a newspaper to admit it's mistakes and take corrective measures.

But if this becomes the norm rather than the exception, it wouldn't take an exceptional reader to read between the lines and see the underlying incompetence.

So, here's to more editorial abdication and reign of errors!

REWRITING HISTORY WITH THE WRONG NEWS STORY

A chronicler of of unfolding events, is what some may define as one of the the key role of journalism. And this often involves witnessing major occurrences from a vantage point, to later put on record what may end up having immense historical value. So reporting historical facts should be a much simpler task. And there should be no reason to end up rewriting history with the wrong news story.

In the newspaper article above, a very straightforward fact is glaringly being misrepresented.

Any good student of history, or current affairs for that matter, should be able to explain how centuries are counted.

In summary, from 0 to the first 100 years, constitutes the 1st century.

It follows then that from 101-200 is the 2nd century.

Likewise, between 1401 and 1500 is definitely the 15th century.

According to this article, the church in question goes back to the 17th century.

This would mean between 1601 and 1700, right?

Wrong, (not you....the headline writer).

You see, the article goes ahead to say:

'Mumias Anglican Church's history dates back to 1885 when the clergyman was speared to death.'

Unless this newspaper wants to rewrite history with the wrong story, the events being quoted never happened in the 17th century.

1885 is actually very close to the 20th century!

NEWSPAPER HEADLINES: DOS AND DOTS

A newspaper headline is what initially draws a reader to an article. It may even be the decider between glossing over, or getting into the rest of the content. A reader usually scans through the headline, looking for a main keyword, hence the reason why an active verb is critical. But it's also important to cross the t's and dot the i's.

The innocuous omission in the headline above, may not amount to much, and the chances of the article to be read may not be dented.

A curious mind may, however, spot the missing dot...

... and question the editorial abilities on display here, or lack thereof, and even raise doubts about the seriousness accorded to attention to details, as a core value of this newspaper publisher.

It may well be an honest mistake.

But honestly, it's not much ado about a dot!

MEDIA DISSERVICE AND BASIC TERMS OF SERVICE

The terms of service for media operators should include a clause on familiarity with common-place terminologies. That aim should be a mere minimum, in the noble task of serving the public's interest. And an African media house at least ought to know African nationalities and how to describe people from various countries on the continent.

The article above makes reference to the nationality of a west African country.

The country is Ghana. The citizens are...Ghanians?

Given the available resources, and real time research platforms available in an established newsroom, what would lead to such an editorial oversight?

There's likely to be historical evidence to show the word 'Ghanaian' has previously been used to describe the people of Ghana, by this same newspaper publisher.

That's perhaps why this qualifies to be a media misinformation and a disservice.

OF NEWSPAPERS MISQUOTING PHOTOGRAPHS

If facts are sacred, misquoting photographs should be sacrilegious. This may sound improbable because the media is more often accused of misquoting people and misinterpreting facts. Or publishing or broadcasting content out of context. But how else can one describe a newspaper that uses one photograph to show two different locations?

The two identical photographs above, appeared in one daily, but in separate pages.

The photo is first used to illustrate an article about plans to develop Isiolo Municipality, in central Kenya.

On turning the pages, one shortly encounters the same photo, (a much larger version).

But this time, the story is about the safety of flights to and from Kisumu airport, in the western part of the country.

What informed this editorial misadventure?

Both Isiolo and Kisumu counties have airports, so having a plane in the picture works for the two locations.

But not the same plane.

That's plain stupid!

SPORTS JOURNALISTS, FOOTBALL AND BECOMING ONE WITH ALCOHOL

What do you get from a sports journalist covering a football tournament in a foreign country? Articles about football, yes? And if the writer is enterprising, you expect coverage beyond football matters, no? The writer can focus on drinking habits, and the cost of beer in the host country. However, not only is it good not to mix drinks, it's bad for alcohol and football to become one.

Old habits die hard, and this perhaps explains the intrusion of the football field terminology, in an off-pitch scenario, in the side bar article, above.

The writer, one can hazard a guess, was sampling the social scene of the host country, and came dangerously close to the point where football and alcohol became one.

(Loosely translated to insinuate inebriation).

There's hardly any other colourful way to justify this statement:

'Beers in Nairobi go for between Sh200 and Sh350 defending on the brand and location.'

Well, it depends on whether one is being attacked by alcohol, or a competing team's attackers!

INTENDED ACTION HEADLINE AND AN UNINTENDED REACTION

A journalist or any writer must know that the interpretation of what's already published is likely to be beyond their control. As such, care should be taken to ensure any semblance of vagueness is dealt with, to narrow down the chances of misinterpretation. A headline can be loaded with many call to action words, but end up causing an unintended reaction.

The headline of the newspaper article above, can lead to a very 'dangerous' interpretation, which the writer and many a reader would be quick to frown upon.

What are people being urged to do?

"Embrace, encourage and support female genital cutting warriors"

Say that again slowly....but now with emphasis on the part that says:

'...female genital cutting warriors.'

What are we talking about here?

A warrior is a skilled fighter...so here...it can be somebody who is experienced in...female genital cutting?

Notice that it's not clear if the warrior is fighting against female genital cutting.

But, a warrior, in contemporary usage, can also be a reference to somebody engaged in a defined struggle or cause.

However, note again that the headline does not directly imply this warrior is against female genital cutting.

The constraints of space notwithstanding, the headline would have better communicated the message if it read:

"Embrace, encourage and support ANTI-female genital cutting warriors"

A good sub-editor should strive to panel beat the copy to make it as close to the intended meaning as possible.

Simply put, avoid being vague like the plague. And it's better to be obvious than ambiguous!

EDITORIAL AGILITY, AMBIGUITY AND CONTRADICTING INFORMATION

That opposites attract is true for magnetic poles. But in communication, contradicting information is repulsive. The media risks confusing the audience, if news stories are two-faced in nature, or the meaning is delivered in a double edged manner that doesn't gel. Ambiguity is an enemy of editorial agility.

There ought to be a sense of unity in the message being conveyed, unlike in the opening paragraph of the article above, which seems to be pulling in different directions, sense-wise.

The story states that two international airports in Kenya:

'...have retained a new...'

Let's just pause right there.

Retaining conveys a sense of continuity, or keeping on with something already started.

So, how does one retain something new, after dropping something old?

According to the story, Total Kenya has been dropped from a list of suppliers, so it's incomprehensible to purport to say a new oil dealer has been retained.

Unless editorial rigour is totally dropped!

OF MISSING LOCATION, ENTICING READERS & WONDERFUL DESCRIPTIONS

It's refreshing to see Kenyan newspapers deliberately try to balance hard news content with human interest stories. It is also a welcome break from the routine heavy dose of politics. If, however, the aim is enticing readers to visit interesting places, why publish wonderful descriptions, without location details?

The article above highlights a scenic attraction, which is likely to make one to want to visit the area, after reading and checking out the accompanying images.

But where exactly is Mount Suswa and how does one get there?

And if it could be a familiar location to many Kenyans, how about potential international visitors reading the article?

Indeed, the underlying noble objective of showcasing the country's breathtaking landscape, is rendered almost ineffective by leaving out location details, especially for readers interested.

You don't write about a 'Hidden Gem' then hide the location details!

THE CASE FOR HAVING AN EDITORIAL DIRECTOR OF DIRECTIONS

The press should aspire to be regarded as a credible chronicler of major events and significant occurrences. But if simple information proves hard to handle, the perception created could be that complex details are likely to be mishandled. So, here's the case for having an editorial director of directions.

In a rather discomforting quick succession, the local dailies have done a terrible job of helping readers get a clear picture of the physical location of a specific place in a news story.

Again, it's greatly distressing for someone familiar with a particular place to see it's location being described in ways that are grossly inaccurate.

The area around the building that housed what used to be called Kenya Cinema, is or should be well-known to those who work or grew up in the Kenyan capital.

It's pretty much in the CBD of Nairobi, and for a long time, used to be a favourite meeting point, especially for those active in the dating scene.

The way this article yet again gets the street reference totally wrong, makes for a strong case for local newspapers to have an editorial director of directions!

OH BROTHER! WE GET IT...THEY ARE BROTHERS

Newspaper articles use different approaches to first grab a reader's attention, then sustain it with useful or information or interesting details. Repetition of information is frowned upon, not unless its necessary to emphasise a point. But a reader need not be reminded that brothers are brothers.

At first mention, there's no harm in stating that the key subjects in this particular story are related.

For what it's worth, the writer should perhaps not be heavily faulted for establishing who is the younger or elder brother of the central figure in the story.

But to shortly afterwards re-state that the younger, elder, and key person in the story are brothers, is pushing it too far.

Oh brother! We get it, they are brothers.

EDITORIAL SCRAPS AND NEWSPAPER SKYSCRAPERS

To astonish readers is to attract and possibly command their interest, even if for a fleeting moment. And that's why the media happily pick on superlatives and words that are designed to hype a story. This runs the risk of sometimes distorting the reality, but it seems the dividend of locking in the audience, is a valuable payoff. So editorial scraps can easily translate to newspaper skyscrapers.

In the article above, a reader is likely to be drawn in by the headline, which creates the impression that a very high-rise building is being put up.

The average person is bound to be interested by extra-ordinary things and a skyscraper adequately fits the bill of being nothing short of a visual spectacle, for many people.

The expectation is thus heightened only to be followed by a spectacular deflation.

The building in question, it soon emerges, is a mere eleven floors high!

Sure...It's a skyscraper...For Lilliputians!

FEMALE LAWYER, GENDER AGENDA AND MEDIA MISADVENTURES

A lot of gender mainstreaming agitation has been witnessed in Kenya, especially with regards to leadership and political representation. And both the social and mainstream media have played a key role in fighting gender-based marginalisation. This noble agenda, however, is at times undermined by the same press. Is a male lawyer any different from a female lawyer?

In the article above, the story celebrates the achievements of a high flying Kenyan lawyer.

But the editor, (try putting female editor here), finds it appropriate to describe the lawyer as being female!

It should rather be obvious that it's really unnecessary to ascribe gender identities for certain professions like law.

The reader can easily establish that the lawyer is a woman because of the provided name and picture.

So, to expressly state that the lawyer is female at the very beginning is demeaning, condescending and even a disregard for the many achievements of women in various professions.

Top Kenyan lawyer...Good!

Senior female Kenyan lawyer...Goof!