Journalism, a noble profession, has been called rogue, prostitute, meat wrapper and many other unpalatable names. But what we all forget is that media, through journalism, has the power to shape public opinion and the government has the power to shape policy.
Both hold immense sway over public sentiments and social stability. Government officials in some instances have blamed media houses for unfavourable coverage, inflaming tensions and prizing inflammatory headlines over balanced reporting, while media houses have accused the State of encroaching on press freedom.
This widening trust gap serves no one except hardliners seeking to destabilise and divide yet these two pillars of democracy cannot afford to be at loggerheads.
Their responsibilities are intertwined in that the state has to protect citizens and media has to inform them. Both require public faith to function properly. When the entities work together they can create a more informed and engaged citizenry.
Lately, there is a lack of trust leading to tension and conflict between these two entities, with journalists facing intimidation, arrest and even physical violence in the course of their work in cases where the state labels unfavourable coverage as fake news and responds with a heavy hand.
This in turn has had a worrying effect on media freedom and limits the ability of journalism to report on important issues affecting the country and leading to dangers such as misinformation, propaganda and lack of transparency.
While no party is blameless, finger-pointing and name-calling will never resolve matters. Now more than ever, it is imperative for the state and media to rebuild bridges of mutual trust and understanding.
This starts with accepting the role of media as the public's eyes, ears and voice, a watchdog, and not an enemy but an essential check and balance of power. Meanwhile, the media must prize accuracy, accountability and national interest in their reporting.
Without trust, the media may not be able to report on important issues and the state may not be able to implement government policies effectively. There are a few steps both media and the state can take to restore mutual trust and respect.
First, acknowledge legitimate grievances, then commit to addressing them. For the state it means restoring clear, open communication and transparency, holding regular press briefings by civil servants, speaking in one voice on policy issues, codifying press protection and constant engagement with the media. For the media, it means strengthening accountability through editorial policies, better anonymization and fact-checking.
Second, change culture and mindsets. Remind the police force, government officials and journalists that they serve citizens first, not political interests. Offer training on empathy and bring them to the field and newsrooms to witness challenges firsthand.
Lastly, a few universal values must be agreed upon and act as a guide to government and media as indispensable pillars of democracy based on truth, justice, dignity and nonviolence.
By living these principles both can move from hostility and suspicion to healthy collaboration. Neither should be subservient nor adversarial. When working in tandem while maintaining independence, they empower Kenyans with truth, uphold rights and act as a catalyst for progress.
With care and courage, the state and media can move from blame game towards cooperation. Rather than trading barbs through headlines and social media let the two organs engage in good faith and transparency, independent, but also interdependent.
A house that is divided cannot stand. If either side fails, the citizens suffer the most. These are the times we are currently facing but it is also an opportunity for the state and media to reaffirm democracy’s foundations and pursue social cohesion and mutually respectful coexistence based on transparency, respect, accuracy, ethics, communication and accountability.
If state officials and journalists can overcome this division, they will emerge stronger individually and as a nation. It must start with rebuilding public trust. The true test of leadership by both entities is to rise above the political fray and spearhead solutions that serve the greater good of our beautiful country.
