JK and the media
Gabby Mgaya, 26th May 2009 @ 04:20, Total Comments: 5, Hits: 875
President Jakaya Kikwete loves the media and the media loves him, there is no doubt about that. In fact, the president of the fourth phase Tanzanian government has been closer to the fourth estate professionals to the extent of putting himself on first name terms relations with them than any other leader of independent Tanzania.
The president has always been friendly to the ladies and gentlemen of the pen for a very long time. Some old timers recall his close ties with some journalists since his University of Dar es Salaam days.
This relationship continued even after he got a job in the ruling TANU (later to become CCM) after finishing his studies. His friends in the media watched as the young Kikwete rose through the ranks from a junior CCM cadre to member of the partys National Executive Committee.
The fraternity watched as he went on to become MP for Bagamoyo, then MP for Chalinze, deputy minister and minister. Despite his remarkable and impressive path to national leadership, Kikwete remained closer to the media.It is the media that Mr Kikwete chose to break news of his intention to contest for the Union presidency at Kibaha.
From day one, when he made his announcement to contest, to his partys screening and nomination processes, the media decided to turn to a long time friend as the saying goes: One good turn deserves another. This does not mean, however, that the media violated their own fair reporting and impartial ethics by favouring one candidate.
Candidates from all other political parties were given equal treatment although judging from the campaign trends; it was evident from the beginning that JK, as the same media fraternity referred to him, would win the presidential poll. He did.JK made good use of the media in his entire election campaign and ensured that the accompanying journalists were given first class treatment.
He even found time in between his busy itinerary to meet them over a cup of coffee to share views. One could safely sum it all up by saying that use of the media was one of the factors that helped JK win the presidency.
It was no wonder then that after JK was sworn in as president, he invited all the journalists who covered his election trail to the State House for a drink, snacks and person to person talks.
And that was not all. The president has made it a point by including the media in his delegations whenever he travels outside the country, who have helped by informing Tanzanians on the presidents programme and activities abroad.
The media has a very important role to play in the affairs of the nation, including coverage of the president. JK has set a good precedence for more media involvement in the nations governance. Thats what is known as transparency.
gabbymgaya@yahoo.com
