Picture Courtesy of BBC
The drama that has been building up in London lately, on phone hacking allegations and generally on the irresponsibility of the Media in the quest for stories to sell. I therefore watched with great interest when Rupert Murdoch (recently ranked among the most influential personalities in the world) appeared before Culture Media and Sport committee on phone-hacking in London. Not only was an owner of one of the largest (global) media enterprise on the dock, but more importantly there was a general spotlight on the media.
Background in a nut-shell
The News International phone hacking scandal is an ongoing controversy involving the News of the World, a now-defunct British tabloid newspaper published by News International — a subsidiary of News Corporation — and the allegations that individuals working for the newspaper engaged in phone hacking. There are related allegations that the newspaper had obtained information in further illicit ways including making payments to police officers; that it exercised improper influence on politicians and the police; and that other British newspapers were involved in similar activities.
While it originally appeared that the News of the World had only hacked the phones of celebrities, politicians and members of the British Royal Family, revelations in July 2011 that victims included murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler, relatives of deceased British soldiers, and victims of the 7/7 London bombings generated widespread public outrage and revulsion. Advertiser boycotts contributed to the closure of the News of the World, which published its final edition on 10 July 2011 after 168 years of publication.
On 6 July 2011, British Prime Minister David Cameron declared that a public inquiry would convene to investigate the affair, once police inquiries had been completed.
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Background in a nut-shell
The News International phone hacking scandal is an ongoing controversy involving the News of the World, a now-defunct British tabloid newspaper published by News International — a subsidiary of News Corporation — and the allegations that individuals working for the newspaper engaged in phone hacking. There are related allegations that the newspaper had obtained information in further illicit ways including making payments to police officers; that it exercised improper influence on politicians and the police; and that other British newspapers were involved in similar activities.
While it originally appeared that the News of the World had only hacked the phones of celebrities, politicians and members of the British Royal Family, revelations in July 2011 that victims included murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler, relatives of deceased British soldiers, and victims of the 7/7 London bombings generated widespread public outrage and revulsion. Advertiser boycotts contributed to the closure of the News of the World, which published its final edition on 10 July 2011 after 168 years of publication.
On 6 July 2011, British Prime Minister David Cameron declared that a public inquiry would convene to investigate the affair, once police inquiries had been completed.
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Are the issues raised, in these incidences new(s)? Kenya is replete with advocacy on need for freedom of the media. This advocacy springs from a long history of media gagging by successive autocratic governments hell-bent on crushing and one out to give or highlight a contrary opinion about actions and decisions by the government of the day.
The number of successful lawsuits by public personalities against the media is clear testimony of the need for the media to act responsibly as they source for and disseminate news and information to the public.
The acme of advocacy for media freedom was its inclusion in the Article 34 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010. This constitutional provision played a big role in guaranteeing a free media. However, this provision also put a great responsibility on the media to ensure responsible journalism. A closer look at the constitution and you will realize that the provision comes immediately after Article 33 on the Freedom of expression whose Sub Article (3) says has to be exercised shall ensure that there is respect of the rights and reputations of others. The Media Act Chapter 3 0f 2007 of the laws of Kenya too has a thread of responsible and self censorship running through its pages.
Freedom of the media is important for a democratic society. Media – viewed many times as ‘fourth estate’ – is an important part of a progressive society.
Charles Kanjama, Advocate, in his presentation aptly states that “the press embodies the concept of freedom of expression, yet freedom needs to be balanced by responsibility and decency”.
Stories of the media’s irresponsibility both here and abroad is a nadir in the gains made in the advocating for a free media.
As we get into an election year and the media desperately searches for media personalities capable of making the headlines and earning them a good sale, the spotlight is on them. Kenya celebrates every gain made with the new constitution. The media is part of a society and ought to view itself as such.
The number of successful lawsuits by public personalities against the media is clear testimony of the need for the media to act responsibly as they source for and disseminate news and information to the public.
The acme of advocacy for media freedom was its inclusion in the Article 34 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010. This constitutional provision played a big role in guaranteeing a free media. However, this provision also put a great responsibility on the media to ensure responsible journalism. A closer look at the constitution and you will realize that the provision comes immediately after Article 33 on the Freedom of expression whose Sub Article (3) says has to be exercised shall ensure that there is respect of the rights and reputations of others. The Media Act Chapter 3 0f 2007 of the laws of Kenya too has a thread of responsible and self censorship running through its pages.
Freedom of the media is important for a democratic society. Media – viewed many times as ‘fourth estate’ – is an important part of a progressive society.
Charles Kanjama, Advocate, in his presentation aptly states that “the press embodies the concept of freedom of expression, yet freedom needs to be balanced by responsibility and decency”.
Stories of the media’s irresponsibility both here and abroad is a nadir in the gains made in the advocating for a free media.
As we get into an election year and the media desperately searches for media personalities capable of making the headlines and earning them a good sale, the spotlight is on them. Kenya celebrates every gain made with the new constitution. The media is part of a society and ought to view itself as such.
Kindly, members of the fourth estate, guard this right which was was gotten literally by the blood shed by many that preceeded you!
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