Kisii: Media students from various institutions of higher learning have benefitted from a mentorship session with veteran journalist Ken Bosire. Bosire, a renowned media professional, worked as a print journalist, editor, and writer for top Kenyan newspapers such as The Star, The Standard, Daily Nation, and People Daily.
According to Kenya News Agency, the event was held at the Kisii Press Club (KPC) on the outskirts of Kisii town, with the Club's Chairman Joshua Araka also attending the session. Speaking during the session, Bosire challenged the students to demonstrate their media knowledge and abilities in writing, editing, and publishing stories. He emphasized the importance of commitment and consistency in their work, urging them to communicate effectively, possess a wide range of knowledge, and have a keen nose for news.
The veteran journalist engaged the students, who are currently on attachment in various organizations, in discussions around their experiences in the field so far. Bosire stressed the importance of becoming multimedia journalists, advising them to produce content for television, radio, print, and online platforms. He also reminded the students of the ethical standards in journalism, including the need to obtain consent before recording or photographing minors.
Bosire encouraged the upcoming journalists to build strong networks, maintain language proficiency, and always tell the truth. He highlighted the necessity of having credible sources, fact-checking information, and verifying it before publishing. Additionally, he addressed the misconceptions about 'fake news,' explaining that it is either misinformation or disinformation.
The veteran journalist highlighted the role of the Media Council of Kenya, noting its responsibilities concerning accreditation, policy-making, and training. He encouraged the students to utilize the Media Hub, which offers free mentorship and training programs to young journalists. On his part, Araka emphasized the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in newsrooms and media production, seeing it as a valuable tool when used responsibly.