This archive report was first published on 8 June 2020.
On June 8, 2020, editors from the Eastern Africa region gathered virtually to discuss the safety and facilitation of journalists. The meeting was organized by the Open Society Initiative for Eastern Africa, with support from the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and other organizations.
Churchil Otieno, a Senior Editor at the Nation Media Group and President of the Kenya Editors Guild (KEG), emphasized the need for updated media laws that meet international standards. He also highlighted the importance of prioritizing journalists' security and proposed sensitization training for editors and journalists on safety.
Participants were informed about plans to establish media centers of excellence in each member state, which would provide mentorship and training for upcoming journalists. Otieno also stressed the need for resource allocation to support community-based media stations, which are crucial in many parts of Eastern Africa but are struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The government has allocated Sh100 million to support 25 TVs and 125 radio stations. Ana Elisa Santana Afonso, Director of the UNESCO Liaison Office to the African Union, pledged UNESCO's commitment to supporting journalism and emphasized the importance of independent media in society, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Eastern Africa Editors Forum was held under the theme 'Journalism Without Fear or Favour,' and regional editors are now required to make recommendations on strengthening the media landscape in the region.
