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!

TV SIN NOT TO BE SEEN IN A WORST CASE SCENARIO

Technology is amazing. And Kenyan media outlets have been trying hard to latch on to new innovations in the industry, although it's usually often a case of playing catch-up. Some levels of operational sophistication are, however, ignored, either out of ignorance or reluctance to embrace change. And that's why you may end up seeing a TV sin not to be seen in a worst case scenario.

The signal above is what was broadcast, most probably due to some technical hitches.

But should this ever be the case, given the options available to avoid such displays of malfunctioning systems being beamed to the viewer?

Is there such an overwhelming need to have the transmission always on 'Live Mode' and would a delay of less than 10 seconds be that catastrophic?

Alternatively, the system can be rigged to play out a particular content as backup, for example, an in-house promo, whenever there is an interference of normal transmission.

In other words, the default setting would be to air a pre-selected clip, instead of letting the whole world know that there is a problem in the control room.

But in this part of the world, it would not be strange to be told that this was a failure of the backup system.

And so a TV sin like this, is likely to continue to be seen, even in the worst case scenario!

HEAT OF LIFE, LIVE HITS AND WHY SUPERIORS AND PEERS MATTER LESS

In the field of journalism, professional challenges abound. If one gets into an unfamiliar territory, chances of failing spectacularly only outweigh the risks of a possible job loss. And when disaster strikes, forget the assurances from superiors and your peers. Rely instead on your self-belief. It will take you through the heat of life and live hits. 

The reactions to the 'wanting' linguistic abilities of the reporter above, oscillated between outright condemnation and patronising reassurance.

Indeed, serving the public's interest can expose a journalist to great ridicule from the same public.

But that is just an occupational hazard.

The real danger is the carefully concealed hypocrisy.

If the live report touched on something that's significantly damaging to the reputation of the media house, say, erroneously stating the President ordered the arrest of the area Member of Parliament:

- Would the newsroom managers come to the defence of the reporter, because it was the first time he was doing a live hit?

- Would senior editors or producers take responsibility for risking to have an inexperienced reporter doing a live broadcast during prime time?

- Would fellow colleagues in the industry be very sympathetic, or would the reporter become a case study of how not to do a live broadcast?

The reality in many a Kenyan newsrooms is that here, the reporter could be left to fry alone, even if the information he shared was given to him by his bosses.

And such is life. You really can't depend on other people to back you up 100%, all the time.

That's why it's so important to have an inner reservoir of strength, hope, courage and determination to soldier on, in the face of career-threatening adversity.

- Those offering their support, can opt to become spineless, if it suits them more.

- Those getting in touch to express their solidarity can thereafter be out of touch with your basic needs.

- Those sharing how they overcame similar circumstances can fail to disclose if they had somebody higher up protecting their interests.

That's why in the heat of life, and even after a live hit mess, what superiors and peers say should matter less.

Focus more on your self-belief and the Most High!

WINDOW SHOPPING SENSE AND NONSENSICAL TV NEWS GRAPHICS

Flipping channels is akin to window-shopping. A TV station ought to  have its best content on screen to interest a viewer, just like a shop owner seeking to entice a buyer would want to displays eye-catching wares. Importantly also, those tuning in expect minimal effort in making sense of what they are seeing. Having nonsensical TV news graphics does not cut it.

If one stumbles upon the on screen text above, how likely is it that the remote control will not come to mind, to save oneself from mental torture?

TV graphics are meant to aid the understanding of a news story.

But here, chances are high the yield is mere confusion, (or a very dubious call to action!).

Crafting news straps should be guided by the ultimate need to communicate briefly, but clearly.

Simply stitching any words together is an ill-advised short-cut.

And this particular NewsCut, does not make the cut!

DIVORCE COURT AND MEDIA COURTING TROUBLE

It's not very often that the Kenyan media dedicates ample time and resources to bring a private court hearing into the public sphere. The coverage of legal matters should be restricted to the issues as they arise, taking care not to violate the rule of sub-judice. In a divorce court, a media house could be courting trouble, if it suggests its perceived stance on the matter.

That appears to be the case here, given the way this TV news channel identified one of the litigants.

If party A says there was a marriage contract with party B, but party B disputes this and the matter ends up up in court, (never mind if party A wants to part ways with part B), why should a media outlet identify party A as being married to party B?

In the public eye, a position on the matter is already being strongly projected.

But on such legal matters, it's 'dangerous' and unethical to even appear to have an interest in the outcome of such a case, by deviating from the confines of neutrality and objective reporting.

The judicial system frowns upon acts that can jeopardise the fair determination of matters before it, even if they play out in the court of public opinion.

In the coverage of this divorce court, this media house could be courting trouble!

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.

KENYAN ROOTS, JAMAICAN SINGER, AND A NON-EXISTENT SONG

Doing a background check before writing a news story, should be an easy task. Supporting facts can now be sourced conveniently in this digital age, where the Internet is a living and ever-growing library. That's why it's hardly believable that a Kenyan newspaper can't distinguish between a song, and a son of a famous Jamaican singer.

In the article above, the writer tries to enrich and provide a wider context in the recent visit to Jamaica by the Kenyan president.

The coverage is woven around the historical struggle for freedom from colonialism by the East African nation, and the influence of independence proponents from the Caribbean island.

And no reference to Jamaica is complete without mentioning its pulsating reggae industry, which is relevantly captured in this article, given how its global music icons have been committed to the struggle against social, economic and political injustices.

Evidently, a lot of research went into piecing together this newspaper story, so it's a bit mind-boggling why the writer and sub-editor would mess up on the details around the life and music of such a recognised music legend like Bob Marley.

I'm not entirely sure if there's a linguistic connection between the name, 'Kimani' from Central Kenya, and the 'Kymani' with Jamaican roots.

But what I know, and what the writer and editor of the article ought to be aware of, is that Ky-mani is Bob Marley's son, not one of the songs from his impressive repertoire.

Please beware, an enlightened reader is not ready to sell their intelligence for a song!