Last week, we ran an example of how some media houses in the Rift Valley are covering the ongoing ‘illegal’ campaigns that have already been legitimised by the media anyway. This week we again take up the theme of balanced coverage, and focus on Kass TV.
The official campaign period begins on May 29 as per the IEBC election timeliness and gazette notice. But, as is evident, aspirants have already hit the ground with early campaigns, the content of which forms a major part of news items in the newsrooms.
News coverage is typically driven by considerations of what is unique and remarkable and therefore of particular interest in an area. Yet electors require fair and balanced presentation of the manifestos and agendas of different parties, which may be far from distinct or interesting. How can media reconcile their news function with their public service role?
At the beginning of this year, media laid siege around the main political players in UDA, ODM, Jubilee and OKA, relegating small parties and unknown candidates to the periphery. At least, we are seeing changes as media warms up to all presidential hopefuls, profiling even the unknown. But the coverage is still plagued by issues related to balanced coverage.
We observed Kass TV news coverage for two weeks from January 28 to February 10 and this is what we found.
For that period Kass TV aired less news associated with Azimio la Umoja or Raila Odinga’s campaigns and meetings. They, however, did not miss out on DP William Ruto’s campaigns. There was also limited coverage of the Oka principals.
While their live coverage of political campaigns saw only one Azimio meeting in Muranga aired briefly, the Kenya Kwanza alliance was covered live in almost all its major rallies like in Kirinyaga, Bungoma, Murang’a and Kakamega. Other Kenya Kwanza campaigns were covered live on Kass TV Facebook page, where events in Mumias on February 8 and another campaign in Kitale on February 9 were promoted.
The station’s news coverage is biased, giving more airtime to Ruto and his allies. For example, on February 9, the 7pm and 10pm news bulletins covered Kenya Kwanza campaigns in Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties, followed by news of resignation of civil servants vying for political seats. Throughout the prime time news bulletin there was no coverage on Azimio la Umoja campaigns in Siaya County.
The station appears to have forgotten its role of informing society and providing impartial analysis of the news.
A Kalenjin man or woman, who only understands vernacular, cannot get diverse views and opinions on the news coverage aired by Kass TV. Thus, if they put their trust on this media station they may be misled by its narrow range of news.
Kass TV should give equal airtime to all aspirants, especially in the news bulletins, and ensure unbiased and balanced coverage of all politicians and parties. They should play their role of disseminating information without bias to help viewers have a wide range of opinions and views of what is happening during election campaigns in order to make informed choices.
