Journalists Now Allowed To Record With Their Phones- MCK

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has announced that accredited journalists and media practitioners can use their smartphones/mobile phones to complement their daily duties.

In a statement signed by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) David Omwoyo, the media regulator stated that the gadgets are now considered professional media equipment.

They took note of a study by the Council on the impact of digital technologies on media practice in Kenya which established that the operations, structures, and performances of traditional, new and converged media formats have been affected by the availability and appropriation of digital technologies.

"The Council has noted some disputes between a section of security officers and leaders on the use of these gadgets to record and transmit news from public events and wishes to clarify that mobile/smartphones, while in use by professionally trained and accredited journalists and media practitioners should be allowed when needed.

Journalists covering the swearing-in ceremony of President William Ruto at Kasarani Stadium on September 13, 2022. /MEDIA COUNCIL OF KENYA

"With the advancement in technology, mobile phones are now being used to not only take photos and videos but also record voice clips and undertake live broadcasting including live links by media," stated MCK on Monday, November 28.

MCK moved to advise that duly accredited journalists and media practitioners who seek to use their mobile phones during events of public interest or newsworthy happenings should be allowed to do so without being hindered or harassed.

However, journalists and media practitioners are advised to adhere to the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism in Kenya as provided under Schedule II of the Media Council Act 2013.

"Specifically, Clause 8 of the Code of Conduct provides for the use of technological tools and prohibits the use of hidden cameras or phones unless there is NO OTHER way to access the news," added the statement.

MCK further encouraged training institutions, media organisations and professional support groups to escalate the inclusion of the use of smartphones as tools for journalistic practices in their training curricula as a matter of priority.

The use of phones by journalists especially in the field has proved a cost-effective technique over professional cameras and video recorders that sometimes cost an arm and leg, especially to a section of digital media startups and some media houses.

The method has been key to ensuring a digital-first strategy where easy access to a phone helps one disseminate information in a faster and more accurate way.

Viral Tea is one such example of a digital media startup which has had to do more with less through taking photos and videos through the smartphone for use in our publications and social media platforms.

Most recently, the issue of recording with phones took centre stage after Nation Media Group (NMG) journalist Mwangi Muiruri was assaulted by security officers attached to second lady Dorcas Rigathi.

"In the process of I executing my duties of recording the event as it happened, some overzealous officers from her security detail (Dorcas Gachagua) grabbed my phone and in the process of retrieving it back, they assaulted me," Muiruri lamented.

During the incident, he lost his phone and Ksh55 in an assault that followed one that he suffered in less than a year.

Daily Nation journalist Mwangi Muiruri speaking after recording a statement on Thursday, November 24, 2022. /NMG