Coverage of famine by the daily nation and the Kenya times. a content analysis case study: the Turkana community.
Date
2006-08
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kampala International University,College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Abstract
The role of the media in development issues cannot be over emphasized. The media is the vehicle through which masses are mobilized and policies are explained. Famine is basically an agricultural question, agriculture being a sector that has not been effectively and reliably investigated through the media. The basic tenets of the social responsibility theory emphasizes that the media has certain obligations to society. Apart from acting as a people's watchdog, the media should maintain high standards of truth and accuracy in addressing issues of societal concern. Recurrent famine in Kenya is a salient issue for the media to pursue causes of famine as outlined should be brought to the attention of the public. The media should also make early warning of impending famine to prevent unnecessary loss of life through delayed action. An inaccurate picture of the scale of a disaster is often the result of distortion of facts for political purposes. In another scenario, media content is inappropriate for rural people, because they do not have access to new technology in agriculture that's often the focus of new stories. The various media in Kenya need to move beyond raising the pertinent issues only when disaster strikes but, should endeavor to carry out a sustained campaign for the development of sufficient food production all year round.
Description
A research dissertation submitted to the College of Humanities and Social Sciences in partial fulfillment for the award of a Bachelors Degree in Mass Communication of Kampala International University
Keywords
famine, daily nation, Turkana community.