The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has planned two major events to commemorate World Press Freedom Day this year (WPFD).
The 2022 WPFD focuses on the influence of current technology breakthroughs on freedom of expression, journalist safety, access to information and privacy, with the topic “Journalism Under Digital Siege.”
In a statement today the Council’s Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo emphasised the importance of everyone ensuring the safety of journalists while performing their duties.
“The council will continue advocating for journalists’ safety by involving stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies to address cases of harassment of journalists,” Omwoyo said.
The Annual Media Summit, which will take place on Thursday, May 5, will bring together policymakers, award-winning journalists, media representatives, specialised NGOs, activists, stakeholders in the field of media, Artificial Intelligence and ICT, and legal experts to discuss and develop concrete solutions to current and emerging challenges to press freedom and privacy.
Over 30 heads of press councils from around the world are expected to attend the World Association of Press Councils’ 19th Annual General Meeting this week (WAPC).
According to Omwoyo, discussions about the influence of technological developments on freedom of expression, journalist safety, access to information, and privacy will be at the forefront of this meeting’s agenda.
“By bringing stakeholders together around this theme, we recognise the paramount of exchange of information on issues affecting the media industry on the impact of technology on media sustainability, journalists’ safety and privacy,” he stated.
The United Nations in Somalia recognised the role of the media in war-torn areas.
The UN called for more efforts from the international community to ensure journalist in such areas are accorded a safe environment to work in.
“Somalia’s media are a key component for the growth of democracy, and they need to be able to go about their work free from threats, intimidation and harm so they can carry out their important work,” UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, James Swan said.