The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) is challenging institutions offering journalism courses to escalate the inclusion of the use of smartphones as tools for journalistic practices in their training.
MCK in a press release on Monday, November 28, 2022, noted that with the advancement of technology, mobile phones are today used to among others take photos as well as record videos and audio.
Some journalists also use their smartphones for live links.
Further, the council has announced that it recognizes mobile and smartphones as professional media equipment when being used by accredited journalists.
MCK is now asking members of the public and security officers not to harass journalists using their mobile phones to cover events.
This is after it was noted that there have been disputes between a section of security officers and leaders over the journalists’ use of their mobile phones to cover events.
“The Media Council of Kenya wishes to notify the public and security officers that mobile/smartphones, while in use by duly accredited journalists and media practitioners, are recognized as professional media equipment,” said MCK Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo in part of the statement.
Code of conduct
MCK further noted that their study on the impact of digital technologies on media practice in Kenya had established that the operations, structures and performance of traditional, new and converged media formats have been affected by the availability and appropriation of digital technologies.
But even as journalists are now being allowed to use mobile phones while in the line of duty, the media regulator is challenging them to ensure they adhere to the code of conduct.
“Journalists and media practitioners are advised to adhere to the code of conduct for the practice of journalism in Kenya as provided under schedule II of the Media Council Act, 2013. Specifically, clause 8 of the code of conduct provides for the use of technological tools and prohibits the use of hidden cameras or phones unless there is no other way to access the news,” noted the MCK boss.
Media organizations and professional support groups have also been challenged to embrace the use of mobile phones as tools of journalistic practices in their training curricula as a matter of priority.
