Calls for debunking of fake news on World Press Freedom Day

Royal Media Services (RMS) Managing Director Wachira Waruru takes cognizance of the infiltrated online space, adding that the present day media is hard-pressed on every side. 

"Coming out of the Covid-19 pandemic whose effects are still being felt, coupled with a digital revolution that has fundamentally changed how we operate. Modern journalism as Mary Pilon, an American journalist put it, is about embracing change and uncertainty and still remaining fearless," Waruru added.

With the elections just 97 days away, Waruru called on players in the sector to remain consistent in their line of duty. "I urge the media in Kenya and the region to remain true to the trade in spite of the winds of change blowing around them," he added.

RMS Editorial Director Linus Kaikai challenged journalists to stand to be counted by standing for the truth, at a time where everything is twisted to suit a political agenda. “The era of alternative facts is with us. An era which started with the election of Donald Trump as president of the United States of America. It has since created a generation of newsmakers who do not believe that facts or the truth matters.

His sentiments were echoed by RMS Director ICT and Radio Fred Afune, who underscored the need for fact-checking in an era that has seen fake stories seep into newsrooms. "I would like to congratulate the journalism team at RMS for keeping the trade alive. We are at the top because we are a trusted source of independence," Afune said.

Afune added that sticking to the truth is the goal of journalism. He added that this goes a long way in informing Kenyans so they can in turn make informed choices politically, socially and economically.

Director of Media Training and Development at the Media Council of Kenya Victor Bwire termed fake news as an impediment in modern day journalism. "Fact-checking desks have been set up in media houses to help in verification and debunking. I urge Journalists to be keen in their line of duty," Bwire said.  

On her part, Citizen Digital Editor Claire Munde called on her part called on the government and other stakeholders to provide an enabling environment for journalists to do their job. 

Digital Content Manager at RMS Mercy Oburu affirmed the need for fact-checking and debunking of fake news amid the pressure to deliver factual news as it happens in the fastest way possible. "It is important to fact-check in this day and age of digital as social media is filled with posts of mainly unverified news," she added.

Radio News Managing Editor Young Muthomi on the other hand added that freedom of the press is precious and should be guarded amid the challenged brought by the growing digital space. "I celebrate media professionals who work under very challenging conditions to pursue a noble mission. We must all guard the right to free press for when we are silenced all other rights and freedoms are at risk," Muthomi noted.

A proclamation of the UN General Assembly on December 1993, World Press Freedom Day acts as a reminder to governments of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom.