The umbrella term, ‘media’ is one that is all too familiar with the common mwananchi. It broadly refers to journalists and gatekeepers such as editors and producers, whose primary mandate is to provide citizens with information and news; which should be factual, relevant and ethical. Nevertheless, this right by the media to air and publish whatever they want has been abused over time. Therefore, the media should not be allowed to broadcast anything it wishes.
Recently, a local television station aired the Tana River killings story, and the images that were broadcast in that news item were gruesome, bloody and mentally-disturbing. Similarly, a video was uploaded on YouTube and it showed three people who were alleged to be witches, being lynched to death by a local angry mob. Every bit of the ghastly process was shown; from being beaten up thoroughly until they were burnt to mere ashes. Judging by the quality of the camera shots, you could easily decipher the fact that the video had been recorded by a professional. Needless to say, faint-hearted people like myself who watched it barely slept a wink that night, as those grotesque images were so vividly etched in my mind.
If the media is left to air anything and everything it so wishes, will it not be a surprise if ethical issues crop up? It has been said time and again that, “With freedom comes responsibility,” and this principle definitely applies to the media as well. Thus, the media has a moral obligation to present material that is true, well-crafted and ethically sound to its audience. Furthermore, it should humbly accept responsibility for any damage caused to its viewers and society at large.
All the same, a line should be drawn to answer the question, “How far is too far,” with regard to freedom of the press. However, if the media gatekeepers are solely left to draw this line, then obviously they will implement one-sided and biased policies. Likewise, if the government too is purely left to do so, it will also seek to satisfy personal own interests and motives. For that reason, a group should be formed to perform this daunting but essential task. It should cut across the social divide and comprise of credible religious leaders, media owners and gatekeepers, trade union representatives, political and human rights activists, just to name a few.
In short, every single item that is broadcast or published by the media should undergo the universal litmus test of ethics:
Ensure that it is comprehensive and factual.
What are the relevant obligations?
What are the values involved?
What are the possible consequences, i.e. who is likely to be affected and how?
If it comfortably answers all the above, then it is safe to broadcast to the public.
Friday 21 September 2012
I will give IF and when I want!
Just before I get my point across, you should know that I am penning this down with alot of emotion in my heart, so if it lacks a sense of rationality, please bear with me.
At one point in your life, your help is likely to be sought by another party, for one reason or two and as the good book puts it, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" Nonetheless, some people take this statement a bit too seriously and almost wanna force it down your throat. Case in point: Recently, I was taking a stroll with my friend somewhere this side of the Sahara. Suddenly, someone popped up from who-knows-where asking us to donate blood and it would not cost a thing. Before we could even exhale, he further stated that there were people in hospital on the brink of death, whose very existence could be determined by our willingness to give blood. Coincidentally, my good friend and me could not donate blood for health reasons best known to us. And so we told our brother the issue and he took us on a guilt trip, outlining statistics (obviously crammed) about how important it was to give blood, save a life, etc etc. A noble cause indeed, but of what gain would it be if we gave blood then ended up needing it again due to health reasons? Needless to say, we just had to walk away in order to avoid further confrontation.
Again, I've found myself in situations whereby people literally forced me to take donation cards despite my statements that my finances were not looking too good. I love helping out where I can, and would even go out of my way to do it. But that is a choice! So when you send me text messages reminding me that I "owe you money," what kind of taste is that supposed to leave in my mouth? Get serious people!
However, the situation that pushed me to jot down this post happened a few days ago. The worst confrontation I've ever had with a friend as yet. For the sake of privacy, I will not state the gender of this person. You see, my once good pal has this business where he/she sells stuff to make that little extra buck besides pocket money. And his/her friends support him/her. This person is one sure (overly) aggressive marketer and could probably sell a fridge to an eskimo, given the chance. So on a certain day, I was tired, scorched by the Athi sun (which I think is twenty times hotter by the way) and my wallet was very very slim. I was flat broke! Get my drift? Long story short, this dear comrade convinced me to purchase his/her wares, despite my firm insistence that my core policy was never to take goods on credit. He/she reassured me that it was alright and that I could give the cash anytime (read: when I was ready). I took it, ki-shingo upande but I made it clear that I'd return if I didn't like it. And he/she was cool with that.
Fast forward: a week later, he/she calls and I'm like, ooooh, I'd totally forgotten. So I tell this person that "the item" wasn't my type. Talk about hell on earth?! He/she burst into fits of rage, claiming that I should honour my obligation, pay up ASAP and called me all sorts of names I tell you! Needless to say, like the lady I am, I sent this person their money and gave him/her a tip or two about business ethics.
No.1 - the customer is always right, even when they are wrong.
No.2 - Trust and customer loyalty do not come overnight and once broken, are difficult to rebuild.
This so-called friend left a bitter taste in my mouth and I vehemently vowed never to even consider buying anything from him/her again. At some point however, I thought I was a bit too harsh, but when other people concurred with my assertions, my heart was at rest.
At the end of the day, giving is a choice. If you have the ability, go ahead. If you can't, make it clear and stand your ground. If you've ever travelled in some of our local transport means, you may have come across the 'mobile preachers' who'll curse you to hell if you do not support their ministry with a "little token." All the same, God sees your heart, He is the ultimate judge of your actions and if you ask me, I think that is all that matters; you do not need anyone else's approval!
Blessed is the man, who having nothing to say, abstains from giving wordy evidence of the fact ~George Eliot
At one point in your life, your help is likely to be sought by another party, for one reason or two and as the good book puts it, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" Nonetheless, some people take this statement a bit too seriously and almost wanna force it down your throat. Case in point: Recently, I was taking a stroll with my friend somewhere this side of the Sahara. Suddenly, someone popped up from who-knows-where asking us to donate blood and it would not cost a thing. Before we could even exhale, he further stated that there were people in hospital on the brink of death, whose very existence could be determined by our willingness to give blood. Coincidentally, my good friend and me could not donate blood for health reasons best known to us. And so we told our brother the issue and he took us on a guilt trip, outlining statistics (obviously crammed) about how important it was to give blood, save a life, etc etc. A noble cause indeed, but of what gain would it be if we gave blood then ended up needing it again due to health reasons? Needless to say, we just had to walk away in order to avoid further confrontation.
Again, I've found myself in situations whereby people literally forced me to take donation cards despite my statements that my finances were not looking too good. I love helping out where I can, and would even go out of my way to do it. But that is a choice! So when you send me text messages reminding me that I "owe you money," what kind of taste is that supposed to leave in my mouth? Get serious people!
However, the situation that pushed me to jot down this post happened a few days ago. The worst confrontation I've ever had with a friend as yet. For the sake of privacy, I will not state the gender of this person. You see, my once good pal has this business where he/she sells stuff to make that little extra buck besides pocket money. And his/her friends support him/her. This person is one sure (overly) aggressive marketer and could probably sell a fridge to an eskimo, given the chance. So on a certain day, I was tired, scorched by the Athi sun (which I think is twenty times hotter by the way) and my wallet was very very slim. I was flat broke! Get my drift? Long story short, this dear comrade convinced me to purchase his/her wares, despite my firm insistence that my core policy was never to take goods on credit. He/she reassured me that it was alright and that I could give the cash anytime (read: when I was ready). I took it, ki-shingo upande but I made it clear that I'd return if I didn't like it. And he/she was cool with that.
Fast forward: a week later, he/she calls and I'm like, ooooh, I'd totally forgotten. So I tell this person that "the item" wasn't my type. Talk about hell on earth?! He/she burst into fits of rage, claiming that I should honour my obligation, pay up ASAP and called me all sorts of names I tell you! Needless to say, like the lady I am, I sent this person their money and gave him/her a tip or two about business ethics.
No.1 - the customer is always right, even when they are wrong.
No.2 - Trust and customer loyalty do not come overnight and once broken, are difficult to rebuild.
This so-called friend left a bitter taste in my mouth and I vehemently vowed never to even consider buying anything from him/her again. At some point however, I thought I was a bit too harsh, but when other people concurred with my assertions, my heart was at rest.
At the end of the day, giving is a choice. If you have the ability, go ahead. If you can't, make it clear and stand your ground. If you've ever travelled in some of our local transport means, you may have come across the 'mobile preachers' who'll curse you to hell if you do not support their ministry with a "little token." All the same, God sees your heart, He is the ultimate judge of your actions and if you ask me, I think that is all that matters; you do not need anyone else's approval!
Blessed is the man, who having nothing to say, abstains from giving wordy evidence of the fact ~George Eliot
Friday 14 September 2012
K.I.S.S.
K.I.S.S. >> Keep It Simple Stupid!!
Now before you think I'm depicting rudeness or vulgarity, just hear me out. This is a simple PR rule I came across the other day as I was carrying out my daily readings. In Public Relations lingo, the whole idea is to avoid ambiguity in everything one does. This cuts across from PR pieces, to presentations and all other activities pertaining to the work in which the practitioner may be engaged.
However, I believe that this rule should apply to every individual regardless of their career or background. For instance, in church, the preacher may have a wonderful, well-crafted message but it's effectiveness squarely lies in delivery. In other words, the fastest way to lose your congregation is to have a very lengthy sermon with vague illustrations or terminologies that beat around the bush. And this applies to all forms of communication in all avenues of life, i.e. newspaper articles, presentations, lectures, etc.
In short, when you have a message to put across to another party, keep it as simple, clear and concise as possible. Avoid using words whose meaning you're ill aware of and be conscious of your audience. For example, if your audience comprises children, tailor your message to suit them. If adults, do likewise.
It's really that simple!
Now before you think I'm depicting rudeness or vulgarity, just hear me out. This is a simple PR rule I came across the other day as I was carrying out my daily readings. In Public Relations lingo, the whole idea is to avoid ambiguity in everything one does. This cuts across from PR pieces, to presentations and all other activities pertaining to the work in which the practitioner may be engaged.
However, I believe that this rule should apply to every individual regardless of their career or background. For instance, in church, the preacher may have a wonderful, well-crafted message but it's effectiveness squarely lies in delivery. In other words, the fastest way to lose your congregation is to have a very lengthy sermon with vague illustrations or terminologies that beat around the bush. And this applies to all forms of communication in all avenues of life, i.e. newspaper articles, presentations, lectures, etc.
In short, when you have a message to put across to another party, keep it as simple, clear and concise as possible. Avoid using words whose meaning you're ill aware of and be conscious of your audience. For example, if your audience comprises children, tailor your message to suit them. If adults, do likewise.
It's really that simple!
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