A Phenomenological Enquiry on Journalistic Experiences and Structural Influences in the Coverage of Terrorism in Kenya
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Date
2021-10
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Daystar University, School of Communication. Nairobi
Abstract
Since 2011, the impact and frequency of terrorism in Kenya have soared consistently. Consequently, terrorism reporting is today a major recurring news item in various media outlets. This research employed a phenomenological inquiry based on 28 in-depth interviews with journalists who have covered terrorism in Kenya between 2011 and 2019. Specifically, it first explored the lived experiences of journalists involved in this coverage and, secondly, examined the structures that influence their work when reporting on this beat. Third, it investigated ways in which structures influence the freedoms of journalists who have reported on terrorism. Last, the study explored the implications that the structural influences have on the journalistic freedoms of those covering the news topic. Within the context of lived experiences, findings indicate three major themes: fear of surveillance, the safety of journalists at risk, and nationalistic reportage. The fear of surveillance is characterized by worries about surveillance by state security agents and terrorists, while the safety of journalists at risk comprises psychological and physical safety. Nationalistic coverage is highly associated with Kenya-born reporters – an outright biased in favor of their nation. Legal and policy and organization structures influence those covering terrorism. The ways in which the structures influence journalistic freedoms comprise two themes: constraints in accessing information, resulting in journalists exploring alternative avenues for news; and the violation of tenets of professional journalism, such as impartiality, objectivity, and journalistic ethics. Under the fourth line of investigation, journalistic autonomy is the single major implication related to the coverage of terrorism, featuring low journalistic independence, self-censorship, and biased reporting.
Description
Doctor of Philosophy
in Communication
Keywords
Phenomenological Inquiry, Journalistic Experiences, Structural Influences, Coverage of Terrorism
Citation
Mutie, B. M. (2021). A Phenomenological Enquiry on Journalistic Experiences and Structural Influences in the Coverage of Terrorism in Kenya. Daystar University, School of Communication. Nairobi