Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o has hailed the Media Council of Kenya for opening media hubs and digital content production centres across the country.
Nyong'o said he's convinced the media hubs will help journalists to be more creative and expand avenues for writing impactful stories.
He noted that the centres have increased the number of MCK interventions in the recent past aimed at improving the performance of media industry in Kenya.
"When my friend Omwoyo briefed me about the planned launch of the media hubs and the digital content production centers, I instantly knew we have finally started to get solutions to the many challenges facing the media in this country," he said.
Nyong'o was speaking in Kisumu during the launch of MCK media hub.
He said the Council, though headquartered in Nairobi, also oversees the welfare of all journalists across Kenya.
Nyong'o noted that with media hubs and content production centres, the media was finally ready to counter the disruptions that have shaken the traditional media to worrying levels.
"As scribes, you will agree with me that the Kenyan media landscape has become increasingly restless with very disturbing happenings. Media houses are laying off staff as they downsize due to harsh economic times and rapidly changing consumer behaviour," the governor said.
He said the digital news platforms are taking over the traditional news reporting and the impact is big.
To survive this tidal wave, Nyong'o said journalists must device survival tactics and be smarter.
The governor also told media practitioners not to get discouraged by the challenges but look at them as opportunities and avenues to become more resilient and creative.
"It is exciting to note that the council is committed to opening the media hubs and content production centres as a way of supporting journalists, media practitioners and independent content creators to harness their efforts in undertaking their duties for professional enhancement."
As governors, Nyong'o said they are ready to continue collaborating with MCK to help it improve and sustain the standards of journalism in the country, especially on accuracy and the war against fake news.
In the meantime, Nyong'o said the media must continue fighting for more press freedom by strengthening media institutions.
"As we launch the hubs and the content centres, I wish to remind our journalists to use the power of the pen on positive contributions to society."
Media Council CEO David Omwoyo noted that the media hubs will protect the dignity of journalists by working in safe and secure environment.
He added that this hubs will create opportunities and spaces where journalists can share ideas, facts and even verify information.
Kisumu Journalists Network Chair Doreen Magak said the digital content hub will serve as a catalyst for collaboration, transcending the boundaries of traditional media outlets.
She said it is a space where journalists from various backgrounds, specialties, and perspectives can come together to pool their expertise, share insights, and engage in meaningful dialogue.
"This collaborative spirit is essential in addressing the complex challenges our society faces, fostering a united front against misinformation and championing the values that define ethical journalism".
According the Media Council, media hubs and digital content production centres are platforms that aggregate and distribute content from various sources, often focusing on a specific niche or topic.
They could be websites, apps or even physical locations that bring together journalists, content creators and consumers.
They provide centralised access to information and offer diverse perspectives by aggregating content from different sources, provide a platform for content creators to reach a wider audience and share their work with others.
