By Jabali Digital
A human rights defender has expressed concern over harsh working conditions some journalists in the country are undergoing, including not being paid for months.
According to Zack Gaya, media owners and the society at large have no moral authority to demand independence and professionalism from a journalist who has not received his/her salary several months down the line.
“Like it was pointed out, when someone does not have that economic freedom, then they are easily manipulatable,” said Gaya.
Economic freedom, Gaya noted, is directly linked to press freedom.
His sentiments came on the backdrop of widespread reports, indicating that some media houses are struggling to pay staff as a result of dwindling advertising revenue, orchestrated by social media disruptions.
“We understand that times are tough, but journalists must be supported to do their work comfortably,” added Gaya.
His sentiments were echoed by Josephat Odhiambo, Kisumu Journalists Network (KJN) chairman Joseph Odhiambo.
“Some colleagues have not been paid for several months. How do you expect these people to survive?” he paused.
They spoke during the marking of the World Press Freedom Day at the Kisumu Media Hub. Traditionally, the Day is marked every 3rd of May, with this year’s date falling on a weekend.
The Kisumu event was among celebrations organized by the Kenya Correspondents Association (KCA), in collaboration with UNESCO in eight regions across the country.
Themed, “Reporting in the brave new world: The impact of artificial intelligence on the press and the media,” this year’s celebrations remind journalists that “AI is here with us, and that we either adopt or replace ourselves while still working.”
“If you look at the discussions, the contributions from those who attended, it is true that AI is here,” said Kevine Omollo, KCA Nyanza chapter chairman.
Many journalists, he said, are already using AI in their daily activities, calling for a regulatory framework so as to prevent its abuse.
Omollo added that press freedom does not stand alone.
“Some of us are asking, when we talk about press freedom, we want to be free from who? The moment you are not free yourself, it may be difficult to ensure press freedom.”
