Media houses, journalists cautioned against breaching code of conduct
The Media Council of Kenya(MCK) has cautioned journalists and media houses to strictly observe the ethical principle governing their profession while reporting on sexual violence.
In a statement today, the council said that its attention has been drawn to media items and reports on broadcast and print that violate the Code of ethics for the practice of journalism in Kenya as provided for in the Second Schedule of the Media Council Act, 2013.
“Recent news items and articles have exposed victims of sexual violence, and bereaved members of the public to unwarranted psychological and emotional anguish,” said the council.
The council Chief Executive Officer, David Omwoyo said recent news items and articles have exposed victims of sexual violence and bereaved members of the public to unwarranted psychological and emotional anguish.
“The council cautions journalists, media practitioners and media enterprises against the breach of the code of conduct and warns that action will be taken upon those who contravene the law,” Omwoyo said.
He added that at all times, MCK wants reporters and their organizations to observe accuracy fairness and privacy.
What’s more, the council maintains that intrusion into grief and shock and victims of sexual offenses, also amounts to misconduct.
Further, he said that tragedy and suffering may be part of the news and therefore, persons subject to the Act must exercise sympathy, discretion, and sensitivity when publishing content on victims of sexual violence and the bereaved.
He cautioned journalists, media practitioners and media enterprises against the breach of the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism and warned that action will be taken against those who contravene the law.
