Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), in collaboration with Media Brains, has trained journalists on democracy and election reporting ahead of the upcoming General Election.
Speaking during the training, KAS Resident Representative in Tanzania, Peter Koch, emphasized that journalists play a critical role in delivering unbiased reports and providing diverse news content that benefits the public.
In every thriving democracy, the media stands as one of the most influential pillars, serving as a bridge between the public and those in power, Koch said. Journalists are entrusted with the duty of informing, educating, and holding leaders accountable.
In today’s fast changing information landscape, this responsibility is greater than ever. That’s why training on democracy and media reporting is essential for the health of any democratic society.” he said
Media Brains Chief Executive Officer, Jesse Kwayu, highlighted that such training equips journalists with tools to navigate sensitive political landscapes without bias or misinformation.
He noted that it fosters an understanding of transparency, accountability, and the rule of law values central to democratic governance.
Democracy is fragile when reporting becomes sensational or one sided,” Kwayu explained. “Training helps journalists avoid defamation, respect privacy, and steer clear of hate speech. It also enables them to handle sensitive topics without inflaming divisions.
Kwayu added that well trained journalists can simplify complex political and social issues, making them accessible and engaging to the public.
This, in turn, encourages civic participation, motivating citizens to vote, attend public meetings, and hold leaders accountable.
Absalom Kibanda, Managing Partner at Media Brains, stressed the importance of risk assessment in journalism, especially during elections.
He advised journalists to evaluate the political climate, historical tensions, and security concerns in the areas they cover, and to establish strong networks with local authorities and community leaders for timely information.
The training aimed to prepare journalists to conduct election reporting with professionalism, accuracy, and integrity.
Training journalists on democracy and media reporting is not a luxury, it is a necessity for any society that values freedom, accountability, and truth, Koch concluded.
“A democracy without skilled, ethical, and courageous journalists is like a ship without a compass directionless and vulnerable to storms. By investing in continuous training, we safeguard the integrity of the media and, ultimately, the strength of our democratic institutions.he said.