Imagine living without knowing whats going on in your surrounding all because of anger.As a result of dislike of content, aspiring journalism students in Ukambani may not be able to work in their dream papers due to a new campaign threatening their existence in the area.
Reason being that former senator Johnstone Muthama, has been publicly complaining over what he terms as ‘blatant blackout’ on the region’s news in two leading newspapers, threatening to lead a boycott call against the companies’ products if the trend is not reversed.
“There has been a consistent scheme by these companies to marginalize Ukambani as if nothing good can come from here. Tomorrow you will see ‘very weak stories’ from different parts of the country as ours here go down the drain. This is completely unacceptable,” Muthama declared amid cheers from audience.
He expressed that it was unrealistic of media houses to expect sales and advertising revenue from the region yet residents do not read any news from the region.
“These young men you are seeing here will file their stories today and the earliest they will be published is next week Friday if they are lucky,” Muthama said while addressing mourners in Tala, Machakos Count.
Muthama has declared local mainstream newspaper journalists unwelcome to his functions, with the claim that their output has never been felt.
On Sunday, Muthama made good his threats and invited all local radio and television journalists at Thinu Catholic church in Kathiani constituency where he and dozens of MCAs attended Sunday Mass but gave firm instructions that newspaper journalists must not be invited.
Threatening to launch a campaign in the region for residents to boycott the two papers if the trend is not reversed.
He said the region’s only hope in terms of news coverage remains local FM and national radio stations as well as some TV stations.
Do you agree that the journalists are belittling Ukambani area?