Journalists urged to adopt innovative ways in reporting climate change

Journalists in Kenya have been urged to adopt innovative approaches of telling stories in a bid to enhance public awareness and policy engagement on climate change.

Speaking today during a training session for journalists at the Aga Khan University Graduate School of Media and Communication to mark World Radio Day, Media Council of Kenya (MCK) Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo challenged local radio stations to adopt solutions-oriented reporting that highlights the real impact of climate change on communities.

Omwoyo urged the media to go further than reporting on adversities and instead focus on humanizing climate change through lived experiences, adaptation strategies, and policy interventions.

“Any success in journalism is founded on impactful storytelling. We must return to the essence of radio—bringing real community concerns to the forefront,” said Omwoyo.

The media boss said lack of relatable narratives weakens public engagement and the urgency for action. He warned against sensationalism and misinformation in the stories, which they file, urging reporters to ensure accuracy and ethical standards in their reporting.

Omwoyo also emphasised the importance of media outlets returning to its core function of serving the public interest in stories such as climate change that reflect local realities rather than generic global narratives.

MCK Director for Media Training and Development Victor Bwire highlighted the need for journalists to frame climate change stories through political, economic, and social lenses to capture its multifaceted impact.

“Climate change is no longer a peripheral topic; it is a global phenomenon that demands prioritized coverage,” he said, calling on journalists to lead public discourse on climate change adaptation and resilience strategies.

World Radio Day was established to sustain radio’s popularity and encourage its continued use.

In 2011, UNESCO Member States declared February 13 as World Radio Day, and the United Nations General Assembly officially endorsed it in 2012.

Radio remains one of the most powerful and enduring communication mediums. It has played a significant role in connecting people, disseminating information, providing entertainment, and keeping the public informed about current events.

Additionally, radio is a vital tool for education and awareness, bringing communities together, especially in remote areas where other forms of communication may not be easily accessible.

However, challenges persist with the integration of new technologies and the theory of media convergence.

Kenyan radio outlets are gradually adopting converged approaches to content creation and dissemination, but progress remains at an elementary level.

There is a need to work with radio management and editors across the country to promote these new and beneficial approaches.