•He said the press is against numerous forces but has remained steadfast in insisting on truth, freedoms and rule of law.
•Githongo outlined some challenges the media is facing, including the ever-changing technological landscape, the volatile audience dynamics, and declining revenue due to diminishing circulation among others.
Anti-corruption crusader John Githongo has asked the media to remain vigilant over democracy and freedom, as the country heads to the August election.
Githongo said the media has the power to report facts and jealously guard independence.
“Kenya is tolerant, free and democratic and serves as the hub for the region in many areas. We have come this far because of the vigilance by groups like Kenya Editors Guild,” he said.
Githongo spoke during a public lecture in Nairobi in memory of late veteran editor Philip Ochieng.
He said the press is against numerous forces but has remained steadfast in insisting on truth, freedoms and rule of law.
Githongo outlined some challenges the media is facing, including the ever-changing technological landscape, the volatile audience dynamics, and declining revenue due to diminishing circulation among others.
However, in honour of Ochieng, he said, the press has had to remain steadfast in sticking to facts and consistent in holding the powerful accountable.
Githongo said despite the relentless competition the social media spaces are giving the legacy media, they remain the ones trusted by the masses.
“The traditional media still has the credibility and trust among the public in a way that social media has not attained. They have the filter and avenues of recourse that social media lack. So keep going,” he said.
The anti-corruption crusader also said the editors have to wade off the temptation to cede control of the narrative to forces with connections, money and power even in the form of advertising.
“The editor must remain in control of the content he or she publishes. They must not allow arm-twisting and influence by the rich and powerful with interests to take care of,” he said.
Githongo particularly took issues with the shifting of experienced journalists and editors from one media house to another, saying the act breeds instability in the sector.
He said this could also be on purpose to have the inexperienced journalist who is easily manipulable be in charge.
“In some cases, they are not allowed to be part of significant decision-making units, hence diminishing their influence in shaping the contextualised and fact-based narrative,” Githongo said.
The lecture also had a panel discussion which addressed issues that emerged from participants.
The event was organised by Kenya Editors' Guild.
The guild's president Churchill Otieno said the media fraternity was eager to carry forward the ideals that Ochieng stood for in his professional life, including accuracy, authoritative and factual reporting.
The guild allayed fears that the sector was biased, asserting that they had not favourite in the presidential contest.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris