Press Freedom and Globalisation - International Press Institute

Press Freedom and Globalisation
shock, journalists should behave with sensitivity and discretion. Media should generally
avoid paying for information, unless public interest is involved. Financial information
received in advance should not be used for own benefit, or be passed to others. As sources
children have special protections. They should not be interviewed in the absence of a
parent or other responsible adult, and not be approached or photographed at school without
the permission of school authorities. 142 Concerning election coverage, there is a warning
that media workers would be exposed to corrupt and manipulative sources and that media
houses should provide journalists with adequate resources to cover elections. Journalists
should resist gifts or favours from interested parties as this could compromise their
impartiality. In addition, it is emphasised that journalists have a special responsibility to
investigate electoral malpractices. 143
Without free access to information, freedom of expression is like a vehicle without
fuel. In East Africa, information and documents in public administration are not freely
accessible. A journalist cannot invoke many legal rights to support a claim for information.
As a result the practice of secrecy in East Africa creates informal business among officials
where they leak to journalists for bribes. 144
An example of how unauthorised information gathering is prevented is the
Tanzanian Films and Stage Plays Act. Under this act it is illegal to use video camera for
any purposes, even for private entertainment, any place in Tanzania without a ministerial
permission. 145 In Kenya the practice is freer despite a similar law. 146
142
The Media Council of Kenya, Code of Conduct and Practice of Journalism in Kenya, articles 1, 5, 6, 8,
12, 14, 16 and 17.
143
The Media Council of Kenya, Code of Conduct for Election Coverage (Nairobi: The Media Council of
Kenya, 2002), articles 11, 13 and 14 as well as pp. 4 and 10.
144
Hydén and Leslie, “Communications and Democratization in Africa”, p. 12; and Ogbondah, “Media Laws
in Political Transition”, p. 59.
145
Kilimwiko and Mapunda (eds.), A handbook on the State of the Media in Tanzania, p. 7, confirmed in oral
interview with Makunga.
146
Barth, Kodi, “The laws needed for those with cameras” in The Sunday Standard (Nairobi: The Standard
Ltd.), commentary, 6 th March, 2005.
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