That the media is an essential tool in any functioning democracy is not in doubt. What are the motives behind the various contents contained in the media? This question of motives becomes more pronounced during the electioneering period as is the case in Kenya.
Has the media in Kenya considered analyzing the content of campaign adverts to gauge their motives apart from selling the politicians' and political parties' manifestos? Could the content of these campaign adverts generate some sort of indicators that could be used to sound alarm bells on whether they are promoting peace and harmonious coexistence or fuelling violence? This is critical given that adverts enable individuals and groups to say what they want to say the way they would want their audiences to receive the information.
Indeed, it is no secret that persons with political ambitions set up media outlets. They depend on them for constant positive coverage and visibility. There is a direct link between the quest for political office and the quantity of media clout, presence or manipulation that a candidate commands. While this might be the case, the nation comes first and the content that is printed and/or broadcast should promote peace and harmony.
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