Journalists Urged to Embrace Digital Content Creation

The field of Journalism as a career has become dynamic and various new trends have to be embraced for the continuity of independent journalism especially with the emergence of digital content creation.

After the Covid-19 pandemic, journalists have faced a lot of challenges among them being financial constraints and this provokes the need for journalists to unite and exchange ideas such as a financial saving plan.

MCK Director for Media Training and Development Victor Bwire said that one of the greatest dynamics in the field of journalism that should be embraced is the use of local content.

“Journalists ought to embrace digital storytelling and building of their brand online as this will help in gaining visibility and credibility as they collaborate with other professionals to leverage their network”, said Bwire at a Media and Information Literacy Forum in Eldoret.

The current field of journalism has been hit by a hard blow of financial crisis and hence the need to educate journalists on content monetization since most of the youths in digital content creation don’t get income from the content they produce.

“Our research has shown us that most youths produce digital content but they do not get money as expected despite uploading their content on various platforms such as Tiktok and YouTube”, stated Bwire.
He noted that journalists should change how they work for them to continue being relevant.

“As journalists, we should produce content that will help our society grow and make them be able to make life decisions since we are the voice to the voiceless,” said Bwire.
Bwire has added that just as any other occupation or field, journalism has been subjected to many changes and that requires the journalists to be the voice of the voiceless and represent the public interests.
With the revolutionization ongoing, the field of journalism has to maintain the core role of being a representative of the marginalized, informing the public, holding those in power accountable, and fostering a functioning democracy.

He encouraged journalists to form press clubs to strengthen their professional networks, advocate for press freedom and promote ethical standards.

“With the abundance of information online, journalists should prioritize fact-checking and verification of stories to counter misinformation”, he said.

MCK Nakuru Regional Coordinator Joseph Mecha urged journalists to re-evaluate the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism in Kenya and recommit themselves to the principles and regulations governing their profession.

“Through adhering to the Code of Conduct, journalists can cover stories with accuracy, professionalism, and objectivity”, said Mecha.

He further underscored the significant role that journalists play in combating hate speech on social media and urged journalists to avoid the use of sensational headlines when posting on their personal platforms.
MCK Kisumu Regional Coordinator Teddy Oundo talked about the importance of personal finance management and the need for journalists to have a firm foundation in managing their finances.