World Press Freedom Day: MCK Advocates For Safety And Security of Journalists

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As the world commemorates Press Freedom Day, the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo has reiterated the need for all to uphold the safety of journalists as they undertake their duties.

In a statement on Tuesday, 3rd May Omwoyo stated that the Council will continue advocating for journalists’ safety by involving stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies to address cases of harassment of journ”alists.

“MCK will continue pushing for efforts to provide a conducive working environment for journalists. We urge the media owners to remunerate media workers appropriately to cushion them against rising costs of living, which ultimately translates to enhanced independence of our media,” he added.

He said that the Council remains committed to working closely with and bringing together industry stakeholders to promote press freedom and to ensure professionalism in reportage of matters of national interest.
Omwoyo disclosed that the Media Council of Kenya will this week host over 30 heads of press councils from across the world for their 19th Annual General Meeting of the World Association of Press Councils (WAPC).

Top on the agenda of this meeting, according to Omwoyo, will be, among other things, deliberations regarding the impact of technological developments on freedom of expression, the safety of journalists, access to information, and privacy.

He said there will also be discussions around media preparedness in harnessing opportunities and confronting emerging challenges in election coverage, the role of the media in fighting misinformation, and mental health as a priority in the post-COVID recovery.

“The Annual Media Summit will bring together policymakers, award-winning journalists, media representatives, specialized NGOs, activists, stakeholders in the field of media, Artificial Intelligence and ICT, and legal experts to explore and develop concrete solutions to current and emerging challenges to press freedom and privacy,” said Omwoyo.

“By bringing stakeholders together around this theme, we recognize the paramountcy of exchange of information on issues affecting the media industry on the impact of technology on media sustainability, journalists’ safety, and privacy.”

Omwoyo further disclosed that the Annual Journalism Excellence Awards (AJEA), the 10th edition, will be held on Friday, 6th May 2022.

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