By Correspondent
Deputy Government spokesperson Mwanaisha Chidzuga has urged the media to practice constructive criticism.
Mwanaisha said when journalists enjoy the freedom of media, they should use it wisely in promoting peace and development.
She said engaging in frequent confrontations with the government and criticizing crucial projects is injurious to development and national economic stability.
Mwanaisha said journalists have a mandate to balance their stories and fairly report them to enhance professionalism.
She said it is high time for media houses to re-strategize their newsrooms and come up with innovative ideas of news reporting that will contribute towards building cohesion and development rather than venturing into unbiased stories.
She added that journalists must at all times adhere to media ethics and professionalism.
Mwanaisha called on the media houses to consider enhancing the safety and welfare of journalists.
The Deputy Government spokesperson said it is sad that most media organizations are not investing in the safety of their workforce.
She said the situation has subjected many correspondents to pathetic lives with poor wages or no pay at all.
Mwanaisha advised journalists to exercise caution while covering the news stories.
She said their safety should come first before anything and shun heroism.
Mwanaisha challenged journalists to take further journalism courses and grow their careers.
She said upcoming media professionals should take advantage of their unique skills to improve lives.
Mwanaisha stressed that journalists should always dream big and never be satisfied with their current life status.
She said media personnel should use their current employment opportunities as stepping stones to realize their goals.
Mwanaisha said the media industry is changing quickly and many are closing down because of competition.
She advised journalists to be flexible and engage in side hustling to prevent themselves from job loss shock in case a media house collapses.
She, however, urged journalists to keep pushing and that the government is doing its best to create more employment opportunities.
Mwanaisha made the remarks during the unveiling of the Kwale Press Club at the Morning Star Hotel in Kwale County.
Media Council of Kenya CEO David Omwoyo said the club will play a key role in strengthening the professionalism and welfare of the journalists.
He said the initiative will create safe spaces for journalists to operate and promote efficiency.
“Due to the digital migration, most media houses closed down and correspondents operate from hotels and cybers. This is a platform for them to better their work,” he said.
