MCK Raises Concern Over Working Relationship Between Media and Government, Calls for Urgent Dialogue

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has raised concerns over the working relationship between the Media and Government.

In a statement on Monday, July 22, MCK noted that the relationship between the media and the state has degenerated into accusations and counter-accusations, especially regarding the coverage of the ongoing public demonstrations.

“The ongoing accusations bring to the fore a simmering tension between the Government and the media, leading to tension and confusion across the country.

"What started as a perception about biased media coverage of the 2022 General Election has now escalated into a full-blown conflict pitting the Government against the media; resulting in unwarranted threats, blame games coercion, intimidation, and bad blood,” read the statement in part.

MCK noted that it was regrettable that the media complained about a lack of clear government narratives and too many government viewpoints, despite the state having the largest number of communications and media advisers ever.

The council pointed out that it was time for the media and the government to have a common ground and forge a working relationship.

“Both the Government and the media have a common public interest, including a commercial and editorial relationship. Using commercial interests to get back at editorial misgivings is no better than utilising editorial position to revenge for unmet commercial expectations,” said MCK.

The council pointed out that Kenyans are caught between a 'good' government that believes the media is bad and irresponsible on one side and a good media whose actions portray Government as bad and out of touch that hates the media.

MCK observed that a bad government is way better than no Government at all, bad media is a million times better than no media at all.

“It is time the Government and editors found a common ground and prioritise the unity of the country by way of creating a framework of communicating critical national issues while respecting each other’s independence and duty,” MCK remarked.

The council asked the government to order the police to stop harassing journalists and the media on the other hand to exercise professionalism while covering the conflicts by way of not escalating the violence.

“All media houses and outlets, both online and offline, are therefore called upon to strictly apply the provisions of the Code,” the council added.