Media Ownership and Editorial Content: an Analysis of Media Performance During the Jubilee Regime

Abstract

This study’s primary concern was to analyse media performance during the Jubilee era with respect to media ownership and editorial content in Kenya. The study had four objectives. These were: To assess levels of ownership influence on editorial performance during the Jubilee regime; to examine factors informing ownership influence on editorial performance in Kenya; to identify areas of editorial content that are susceptible to media ownership influence in Kenya and to determine the effects of media ownership on professional journalistic practice in Kenya. The study is guided by the propaganda model and the authoritarian theory. It adopted qualitative research approach and a case study research design. One of the study’s fundamental findings is that editorial interference remains entrenched in Kenya’s print outlets. In fact, even young outlets that could be regarded as “alternative press” are equally under the capture of their owners and by extension politicians and advertisers. The study shows that media owners are close associates of the political elite who are the subjects of media scrutiny. This makes independent practice of journalism impossible. In many instances, there is a deliberate move by the media to manipulate public opinion for vested interests. The Kenyan media is used to cover up embezzlement, malfeasance and clientelism. This study also found out that corruption is deeply entrenched in newsrooms and has become a major threat to editorial sanctity. Senior editors have become gatekeepers for “evildoers”. In addition, this study found out that the Jubilee government has used all manner of tactics to have their way in the media. However, it’s the introduction of GAA that has dealt the biggest blow to media independence in Kenya.