Members of the press have met for the third national dialogue on media development with a strong call from experts recommending the need for capacity building through in-house training.
Dr. Christopher Kayumba a media expert and Publisher of Chronicles newspaper noted that a lot of time and finances are wasted in trainings normally held in hotels.
Kayumba noted that majority that are trained don’t take the lessons seriously since they lack passion for journalism and are rather in the media for survival.
“Most journalists are just there for the purposes of bread and butter a fact that makes it hard for them to abide by professional ethics,” he remarked.
In this respect he recommended in house training since its cost effective and targets those that are interested.
However, Louis Kamanzi proprietor of Radio Flash noted that in-house trainings are more costly and urged the regulator-Media High Council to assist in capacity building.
“Even though the regulator has been conducting trainings that’s not enough we need more and more if we are to instill professionalism among local journalists,” he remarked.
Commenting on independence of media in the country, Protais Musoni ,the minister in charge of cabinet affairs and media matters, insisted that more is required in strengthening the media self regulatory body.
“Though the body isn’t active yet I want this two day meeting to recommend ways of enhancing the regulatory team and among the crucial points is where the funds would come from, is it from the government, membership fees or from development partners,” he inquired.
The director general in the office of the Prime Minister Ignatius Kabagambe advised members of the press not to limit themselves on options of getting funds since the most independent institutions in the world like the judiciary and legislature are highly funded by the government.
“We should not base our independence on who is funding even those in the private sector can still influence the media, the way forward is abiding by media ethics,” he pointed out.
Mr Ignace Gatare said that there is opportunity in integrating ICT technology in the media, he cited among the examples as websites, both internet radio and TV.
“I urge all of you to have an entrepreneurship spirit ,innovation and competitiveness if you really want to make it in this business,” he remarked.
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