An uncompromising critique of how the media covers topical issues, challenging traditional journalism concepts and charting fresh interpretations of news.
If you feel a news story does not measure up to expected journalistic standards, bring it to the Journalism Dry Cleaner. Through our collective wisdom, we will strip it of all offensive dirt.
Call it self-censorship, coerced self-censorship or assisted self-censorship. Despite frequent assertions of being independent, fearless and courageous, the media in Kenya can be described as being timid. The slightest of existential threats can trigger the greatest compromise of editorial integrity. Yet amid this sea of spineless journalism, is a rare paragon of press freedom.
The discussion at a graduate school lesson in London, almost ten years ago, turned to external and internal forces that hinder media operations.
And when the lecturer asked for examples of interference with press freedom, I had it all figured out, (with the option of suspense-inducing sound effects).
The class listened attentively as I narrated how a TV expose by a brave reporter, who risked great danger while filming in a neighbouring country, generated so much tension in the newsroom.
After immense pressure from government functionaries, who in turn were probably getting their own dose of high voltage jolts from officials of the neighbouring country, the management of the media house gave an assurance that the story will not air.
But convincing the broadcast managing editor to drop the story, proved to be unlike any other battle to safeguard the independence of the media.
He remained adamant about the story being flighted, and in a very professional manner, dismissed the concerns of the media company's CEO.
To ensure the story does not air, no less a person than the editorial director was dispatched to monitor the TV news desk. But the ME devised ingenious ways of ensuring the clip got to the gallery play-out, much to the trepidation of the editorial director.
And as I applauded this gallant journalist in my class presentation, I seized the opportunity to raise the appreciation levels several notches higher, with a memorable clincher.
I delightfully finished by telling the captive audience:
"I am happy to inform you that this courageous broadcast manager, who is also my boss, was a student in this very same same class we are in."
Ahhh...the satisfaction of that statement...and the sudden realization that we could all be destined for such greatness...remains among my most cherished memories from the University of Westminster.
POSTSCRIPT
Some years later after my studies, and re-engaging with the same employer, I got to witness another version of the fierce independence of this paragon of press freedom.
But this time, it was a bit unsettling.
Two events of national importance were happening simultaneously, and only one could be televised live.
One was the vetting of the then yet to be appointed former Director of Public Prosecutions, now a Cabinet Secretary.
And the other was the reading of the national Budget, by the then Finance minister, who is now the president of Kenya.
Our paragon of press freedom had the final word on what the station should broadcast live.
The TV depiction of how Kenya's political landscape evolved through different reins of its presidents, is outstanding. Getting first hand accounts from a multiplicity of direct participants in the historical process, also borders on the genius. But is the end product a mere newsroom version of Kenya's history?
No doubt a lot of effort was put in producing Moi, Mwai and Muigai. And the mostly appreciative feedback, especially from the social media, is perhaps indicative of the documentary having resonated well with the audience.
However, I think it's still valid to question whether the series can pass the test of factual representation of Kenya's history. Extensive research through archival material, still runs the risk of repeating any hitherto uncorrected elements.
Yes. A number of sources were used. But No. Their views were not subjected to a robust interrogation mechanism, to ascertain their authenticity, (behind the scenes cross-checking does not count here).
For example, how can the veracity of the accounts about meetings at State House with former president Moi, be established? Should we take it as gospel truth that indeed Moi was being 'lied' to by some sycophants that as he spoke, a halo-like lighting effect seemed to surround him?
And should the description of how Kenya's current Deputy President started off in politics, (an errand boy?), be taken with a pinch of salt?
What about the circumstances surrounding the death and succession battles of Kenya's first president, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta?
The intrigues have been regurgitated ad nauseam. So what 'aha' moment was realized, from watching the 'informative' series? (especially to those over 30 years).
A valuable missing ingredient, in my humble opinion, was some intellectual interpretation from a historical mind, to either corroborate, correlate or conjugate the anecdotal accounts of the numerous talking heads.
In other words, the narrator's voice could have been interspersed with expert views, from those well-versed with Kenya's historical development, to infuse some well grounded analysis, in an otherwise brilliant piece of journalism.
And then, there would have been no distinction between that 'newsroom version of Kenya's history' and the probable verifiable version.
And so it came to pass that Kenya got to witness its first ever live presidential debate. The combined resources of local media houses helped to achieve this milestone. And the moderators also came from media circles. How the two performed didn't escape the public's notice.
Call it unfair or even unwarranted, but it appears there was an element of dissatisfaction with one of the moderators, at least going by what has been posted in social media platforms.
Such is the very critical eye of the audience that perceived differences between the moderators, whether huge or mundane, will be mercilessly pointed out.
But thankfully, that is one thing anybody in the business will be made aware of, 'hours' after their journalism debut, and hence should be able to quickly identify suitable coping mechanism, to remain focused professionally.
The following is a sample of what the audience thought about the two moderators of Kenya's inaugural presidential debate.
