[kictanet] Media

Thu Feb 14 12:19:19 EAT 2008

Dr Ndemo,

Your last e-mail will perhaps require further clarification to better
understand where you're coming from and want to go. When something happens
in reality like what changed the world forever......the bombing of the
twin-towers in New York....is there anything wrong with airing it as it
happened? Why would one want to conceal reality/the truth? I'm yet to
clearly understand the real reason behind the ban on live broadcast!

On this issue of bribery, as the saying goes "it takes two to tango". In any
case of bribery, there are two sides to the coin. I do not condone
corruption or suggest that the media did not do what you report, I'm trying
to get us to think more broadly and adopt a "systems approach" to issues.

In an evaluation methodology called "outcome mapping", the term "boundary
partners" is used to define the "immediate partners" who interact with "the
subject/unit of analysis" under evaluation in order to better determine the
outcomes/effects of any action and to understand and document the
behavioural changes among these partners so as to be able to attribute the
change. In this suggested study, who are the "boundary partners" of the
media? Shouldn't they be part of the analysis?

I think a holistic assessment (multi-faceted approach) to the subject at
hand should be employed - targeting the media alone will not help if we want
to bring change. If your reason for evaluating is for policing or auditing
purposes, then note that evaluation has since moved to be for learning
purposes and for taking corrective action - in most cases it involves the
subject under evaluation and the boundary partners for joint learning and
actions.

In this regard, I trust that the evaluation will observe the four
internationally recognized evaluation standards: 

1. 	Utility - who are the intended users? The evaluation should serve
the 	information needs of intended users, who should be defined from the
outset.
2. 	Feasibility - it should be realistic, prudent, diplomatic and
frugal.
3. 	Propriety - it should be conducted legally, ethically and with due
regard for the welfare of those involved in the evaluation, as well as
those affected by its results.
4.	Accuracy - it will reveal and convey technically adequate
information 	about the features that determine the worth or merit of the
subject 	being evaluated.

Lastly, the purpose would need to be clear is it? "on improving rather than
on proving, on understanding rather than on reporting, and on creating
knowledge for action/policy change rather than on taking credit/punishing."

Edith

-----Original Message-----
From: kictanet-bounces+eadera=idrc.or.ke at lists.kictanet.or.ke
[mailto:kictanet-bounces+eadera=idrc.or.ke at lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf
Of bitange at jambo.co.ke
Sent: 13 February 2008 19:47
To: eadera at idrc.or.ke
Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions
Subject: [kictanet] Media

Dear David,
Thank you for supporting the baseline review of Media.  The purpose of the
study is to provide baseline data to improve on our media policy.  You
must admit that this is the first time in the history of this country that
the Government is consulting stakeholders on its intentions to improve the
sector.  We have involved Media Council from day one.  It is the MC that
would provide the sectretarial services.  It is the Media Council that
would recommend names to the task force.  It is the Media Council that we
are using as a bridge to improve the conditions of journalists in this
country.

We need an objective study that is done by independent minded Kenyans.  It
is not prudent however to have current employees of media houses to serve
in the task force.  Unfortunately, most members of the MC fall in that
category.  That leaves us with Media Academics,special interest groups,
retired media personalities to do the study.  There is nothing in our
sleeves against media and I think by now you should have known that we are
only interested in developing a vibrant Media in this country.

The study is important because we feel that there are multiple reasons why
Media behaved the way they did.  We cannot simply blame Tribalism.  We
have all gone to school and know very well know that Journalists were
taking bribes.  From many studies in media, we can speculate on reasons
why they were easily bribed as mainly poor pay.  Bribes cloud objectivity
and eventually what we see is nothing but incitement.  There are more
other factors that we need the task force to establish.

We have sent the TOR for the study to MC and I think it is upon them now
to consult the wider stakeholder before we move forward.  It is our
responsibility to ensure that we do not repeat the mistakes we have made
again.  From the policy perspective, the study is a must if we have to
address the problems in the Media.  We need to make informed decisions.

Bitange Ndemo.

> Dear colleagues,
>
> Having followed the debate on the media audit, I'm convinced there is
> consensus that it's important that we review how the media handled the
> elections, before, during and after. That is perfectly in order. What's
> alarming is the insistence that the government should do it, whereas there
> is an organisation, the Media Council, whose mandate includes checking how
> the media operates with a view to protect the%2

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