TV NEWS, STAR PERSONNEL AND THE WRITING ON THE CAMERA LENS

Broadcasting stations in Kenya have raised their rivalry a notch higher. And this has in turn sparked a scramble for star talent, perceived to be critical in curving a competitive advantage. But there's a growing need to re-engage the audience, because a personnel-centred approach in TV news can only deliver so much. The writing is on the camera lens.

In these 'post-millennial' days, it was surprising that the above live cross with the 'seasoned' reporter/editor, had to be aborted on account of such an elementary technical challenge.

As if the battery status message appearing on screen was not damning enough, the news production crew allowed the live signal to continue, until the camera gave up the ghost, leading to an on air freeze.

It's likewise important then, not to ignore any indication that a channel could be deviating from its core functions.

Enough with 'Tanite' and its associated TV foolery, and let's get focused on the needs of the viewer.

A station may opt to bring together a star-studded team to enhance the delivery of content.

If the content is wanting, however, no amount of 'fine' delivery would compensate any lack of serious substance to offer the audience.

May 'tanite' find its way back to 'tonight'!

HIGHER EDUCATION AND MEDIA AS PURVEYOR OF IGNORANCE

A primary reason for tuning into a news channel is to be informed of significant happenings. But the content in Kenyan broadcasting stations can try one's patience. The delivery and presentation too, can be grossly abhorrent. Local TV news gets particularly revolting, if it becomes a purveyor of ignorance, in coverage of higher education matters.

Let's first take a few moments to frown upon the blatant disregard of elementary English language etiquette above, masquerading as an innocuous typo.

There are 'more serious' issues at stake here.

How the graphics below got to get on air in their sorry state, should be a big worry to the channel's media managers.

If the on screen information is to be believed:

- An Assistant Lecturer, at some undefined point in time, used to earn more than a Lecturer.

- The same Assistant Lecturer now earns a substantially lower amount in a new pay structure, as compared to the previous rate.

Now that's negative progress, but I digress.

This kind of ignorance is not bliss, it makes the heart miss a beat or two.

FUTILITY OF SMOKING OUT STATE OFFICIALS, EVEN IN A SHOW THAT IS SMOKING!

The build-up was frenetic and the buzz around the anticipated comeback of a popular talk show host, left many Kenyans in a frenzy. The country after all, still yearns for answers, after the Westgate Mall siege. But, in the end, it confirmed the futility of smoking out state officials, even in a show that is smoking!

It has become increasingly clear that government officers are not interested in giving 'wholesome accounts' of what exactly happened, when terrorists attacked one of Nairobi's premier shopping outlets.

There are just too many versions of events, and variations of key facts being disseminated. And the more the media keeps prodding, the more the confusion that is generated.

Local media houses go to great lengths to try and secure 'exclusive' interviews with top authority figures, and in all honesty, great effort is also put into coming up with questions that matter.

But there just doesn't seem to be a sufficient will to divulge 'non classified' crucial information. Whether this is justified or not, is arguably debatable.

So by now, journalists should have realised the near-non existent possibility of milking coherent information from government big shots. Attempts to put the officials on the spot, only serves to spur more contradictions.

Instead, investigative desks in the various media houses should seize the opportunity and do their own undercover probes, cross-check with relevant multiple sources and piece together comprehensive reports about the deadly Westgate Mall attack.

Note, however, that this should neither be a race to unearth the most goriest of details and footage, nor an ill-advised sprint to divulge too much 'sensitive' information.

In other words, the findings should not be used to further compromise the safety of Kenyans, but should help the country deal with any gaps in its security structures.

CRITICISING THE CRITIC AND THE BEAUTY OF BALANCE

If you remember the lion story, (or the song about it), there's my side, your side and then the truth. Interrogating this truth is a key function of the media. And that is why a balance of opposing views is such a major pillar of journalism. So is Jeff Koinange on a political mission?

Well, according to seasoned journalist Sarah Elderkin, the host of K24's Capital Talk appears particularly 'hell-bent' on creating the impression that Prime Minster Raila Odinga had a hand in the International Criminal Court cases against Kenyans.

In a newspaper article, she asserts that Jeff is using his TV show to deliberately paint Raila in negative light, and even suggests the host could be manipulating his guests, in order to achieve his 'sinister objectives.'

Irrespective of who between Sarah and Jeff is on the wrong side of the truth or fairness, this in my opinion, is a very welcome discussion and quite refreshing.

I would love to see more critical analysis of TV programmes or even news bulletins in national newspapers, and similarly, incisive review of newspaper stories in the electronic media.

The way Sarah delves into the very details of Jeff's interview with Miguna Miguna for example, is outstandingly beautiful, whether she could be out to defend Raila's honour notwithstanding.

Narrowing down the focus to individual questions and their responses brings out possible undertones that probably were not so apparent, when viewing that particular episode on TV.

I would love to see Jeff Koinange inviting Sarah Elderkin on the bench, for a verbal sparring session, informed by whether or not Capital Talk has a hidden political agenda.