Digital media has
significantly transformed cultural reporting in Kenya, reshaping how stories
are shared, consumed, and preserved.
With the rise of social media,
online news platforms, multimedia content and cultural reporting have become
more accessible, interactive, and diverse.
But these advances also
bring along some big thorny issues like accuracy, authenticity and ethical
reporting.
One of the most
significant impacts of digital media on cultural reporting is increased
accessibility.
Cultural events and
stories that were once confined to specific regions can now reach a global
audience.
Taking Lamu Cultural
Festival as an example, this event that displays Swahili cultural heritage
through wonderful traditional dances, exciting boat races, and compelling poetry
has totally gone high tech now and is all over the internet.
Platforms like YouTube,
TikTok, and Instagram allow live streaming, which lets people from around the
globe follow the event virtually right there and then.
Through social media, as
critically important as it has been, languages of indigenous people like Suba,
Ogiek and Rendile have gotten a lot more attention.
Social media has been
raising people's awareness about how languages like El Molo are declining too.
Digital media has also
enabled greater audience participation in cultural reporting.
Unlike traditional media,
which was largely one-way, digital platforms allow for dialogue and engagement.
For example, during the
Turkana Festival, audiences can interact with journalists, performers, and
cultural experts through live chats on Facebook, TikTok and Twitter.
This interactivity
fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of Kenya’s diverse cultures.
Through blogs and vlogs,
digital storytelling has allowed regular folks to tell their stories and
experience of culture and so has increased inclusion.
Despite its advantages,
digital media presents challenges to cultural reporting, particularly
concerning misinformation and authenticity.
When it comes to digital
content that hasn't been vetted properly, information that isn't true can spread
lightning fast.
While some fears are
legitimate, there are an awful lot of exaggerated claims that go around
unconfirmed by facts and that's why authorities sometimes issue clarification.
These kinds of things
really highlight a need for cultural reporters to fact check their information
before they print it or say it.
Due to the viral nature
of social media, cultural elements can be taken out of context or
sensationalized.
For example, while the
Maasai jumping dance is a significant part of their tradition, Western media
and influencers often portray it as merely a tourist attraction, ignoring its
deeper cultural and spiritual significance.
This highlights the
importance of responsible cultural reporting to ensure that narratives remain
accurate and respectful.
Digital media has also
blurred the line between professional journalism and citizen reporting.
Of course, democratizing input means that a
lot of different voices get raised, but that also brings up real questions
about reliability and credibility.
Established cultural
journalists must navigate this landscape by upholding ethical standards and
using their platforms to amplify authentic stories.
Digital media has
revolutionized cultural reporting in Kenya, making it more accessible and
engaging.
However, challenges such
as misinformation, misrepresentation, and ethical concerns must be addressed to
ensure accurate and respectful storytelling.
By leveraging digital
tools responsibly, cultural journalists can continue to preserve and promote
Kenya’s rich heritage for future generations.
