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.

STRIKE SOLIDARITY, TV NEWS GRAPHICS AND SUBLIMINAL MESSAGES

A number of unions in Kenya have instructed their members to down their tools, in the wake of floundering negotiations with the government. The local media has tried to balance between highlighting the public's interest and the demands of the workers on strike. But some TV news graphics seem to be passing subliminal messages in solidarity with the strikes.

Is it a case of deliberate endorsement or an editorial oversight?

Who is being urged to 'Boycott lectures'?

Is it the audience?

Or is the on-screen graphics meant to pass a call to action message to those not aware of the industrial action?

The first look at the lower third information tag, and a second look at the visuals of striking workers, could possibly help rally support for more institutions to join in.

And not only can more lecturers be mobilized to join in the strike, university students can also be persuaded to abandon their classes.

So much for neutrality in news coverage.

So little of average gatekeeping.