WHO WILL DRAW THE LINE?

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.