SECTOR 4

4.4. Equal opportunities, regardless of race, social
group, gender/sex, religion, disabilities and age are
promoted in media houses.
Analysis
Women are not equally or adequately represented in media although equal
opportunity policies in terms of gender are in place in most media establishments.
Indeed efforts are constantly being made towards this goal. However, biases are
discernable in the prominence given to stories. The issue of sexual harassment has
constantly come up in media houses, in stories and discussions.
More emphasis seems to be placed on portraying women as victim in most stories
and discussions yet women’s engagement and participation in development and
policy decision making is not given prominence.

Scores:
Individual scores:
1

Country does not meet indicator

2

Country minimally meets aspects of the indicator.

3

Country meets many aspects of indicator but
progress may be too recent to judge.

4

Country meets most aspects of indicator.

5

Country meets all aspects of the indicator and has
been doing so over time.

Average score: 			

2.2 (2005=n/a; 2007=n/a)

4.5
Journalists and editors do not practice selfcensorship.
Analysis
Self-censorship exists among the journalists and editors and is prompted by the
following factors:
•
Media ownership and their other interests.
•
Business interests and cheque-book journalism.
•
Political interests, pressure and criminal intimidation.
•
Professional ethics, moral interests and in-house practice on the selection of
stories.

AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER KENYA 2009

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