Citizen TV News Anchor Jamila Mohammed has landed another coveted role aimed at shaping media coverage of the 2022 General Election.
On Thursday, August 19, the celebrated news anchor was unveiled among 23 members of a committee dubbed Technical Committee on Election Coverage Guidelines.
The committee, which was formed by the Media Council of Kenya, will be tasked with shaping elections coverage as the country inches closer to the 2022 General Election.
The team was unveiled during a meeting at Serena Hotel in Nairobi and will be headed by MCK Chairman Maina Muiruri, the organisation's CEO David Omwoyo and its Technical Committee on Election Coverage Guidelines Chairman Joseph Odindo.
Other members are Jane Godia, Njeri Rugene, Sarah Kimani, Alphonce Shiundu, Bernard Mwinzi, David Okwembah and David Ndinda.
Others are Sophia Wanuna, Felix Olick, Samuel Maina, Khamadi Shitemi, David Mwere, Judie Kaberia, Henry Owino, Alex Ikambi, George Nyabuga, Ahosi K'Obonyo, Moses Njagi and Oscar Obonyo.
In an opinion peace Omwoyo published in The Standard, he highlighted the importance of publishing fair and credible news reports devoid of name calling.
He argued that the media's role in setting the agenda is powerful especially when determining the cohesion of the country.
"Through framing and priming of its reporting, the media also sets the agenda. In an electioneering period, for instance, it can decide to shine the light on issues affecting the country, rather than on politics of personality and name-calling, and the society at large, including the politicians themselves, will be in tow.
"The 2022 elections come at a time when fake news is spreading at an unprecedented rate, threatening to upend journalism as we know it. There is need for the media, therefore, to approach the forthcoming elections well equipped in terms of skills set, right attitude and personnel," he added.
He also directed all journalists seeking to vie for elective seats to tender in their resignations six months before voting which is slated for August 2022.
"It is our position that journalists and media practitioners who want to run for elective posts in the next polls should resign from their jobs six months to the voting day, just like public servants," he added.
