US envoy advises scribes on accuracy
Feb 05, 2007
American Ambassador Steven Browning has encouraged journalists to be vigilant and report news accurately.
By Raphael Okello
American Ambassador Steven Browning has encouraged journalists to be vigilant and report news accurately.
Browning, who said the embassy is particularly interested in Uganda’s struggles against HIV/AIDS and malaria, stressed that readers make choices based on media reports.
“At the US Mission in Kampala, we read and listen to the Ugandan media religiously. It is where we get some of the most important facts and information about this country,†Browning revealed at the Eastern Africa Media Institute (EAMI) 2006 Radio Reporting Awards ceremony at the American Embassy on Friday.
He cautioned radio journalists against airing false stories at the expense of making money.
“You owe the public credibility. I have encountered fabricated quotes in the media all over the world. It is your responsibility to give the public information that is accurate and balanced.â€
The American Embassy and EAMI sponsored the annual awards.
Journalists from over 100 stations sent in their entries, vying for awards for breaking news, interviews and features.
EAMI were president michael Wakabi said the awards an incentive for reporters to work better and helped to recognise those who work in difficult situations.
Ahmed Wetaka of Open Gate FM took the award in the features category, while Collins Vumiria from Radio West was first runner up. Michael Wambi from Voice of Teso was second runner up. No entry was outstanding for the breaking news category.
Stella Teta of Impact FM received honourable mention.
American Ambassador Steven Browning has encouraged journalists to be vigilant and report news accurately.
Browning, who said the embassy is particularly interested in Uganda’s struggles against HIV/AIDS and malaria, stressed that readers make choices based on media reports.
“At the US Mission in Kampala, we read and listen to the Ugandan media religiously. It is where we get some of the most important facts and information about this country,†Browning revealed at the Eastern Africa Media Institute (EAMI) 2006 Radio Reporting Awards ceremony at the American Embassy on Friday.
He cautioned radio journalists against airing false stories at the expense of making money.
“You owe the public credibility. I have encountered fabricated quotes in the media all over the world. It is your responsibility to give the public information that is accurate and balanced.â€
The American Embassy and EAMI sponsored the annual awards.
Journalists from over 100 stations sent in their entries, vying for awards for breaking news, interviews and features.
EAMI were president michael Wakabi said the awards an incentive for reporters to work better and helped to recognise those who work in difficult situations.
Ahmed Wetaka of Open Gate FM took the award in the features category, while Collins Vumiria from Radio West was first runner up. Michael Wambi from Voice of Teso was second runner up. No entry was outstanding for the breaking news category.
Stella Teta of Impact FM received honourable mention.