Strathmore University held its 4th Annual Ethics Conference at the Strathmore University Auditorium (Nairobi) between 3-4 November 2006. These conferences are organized and based upon the belief that ethics is a paramount tool for social development and the common good. They aim at uplifting the ethical standards of the African Continent. Every year a different discipline is analyzed from an ethical perspective. In 2003 we analyzed Business Ethics and in 2004 Legal Ethics and jurisprudence and in 2005 Politics and the Common Good.

The 2006 Annual Ethics Conference dealt with Ethics and the Media: "The Media and the Common Good". We believe we can contribute in furthering the fight against corruption from an academic and intellectual perspective. This year’s theme shall also boost the leadership skills of our Continent’s media stakeholders and may cause a deep impact on the way media is portrayed and perceived in and from Africa.

Background Information

The efforts by Governments to impose restrictions on the media have prompted a very enriching discussion about freedom of expression and the need for the media to act as its own self-censuring body. This view is directly opposed to the conception of a government-appointed censuring authority. According to many people, placing the responsibility of censorship on the government would amount to losing the freedom the media has gained after so much effort in the last decade. However, the media has also been accused of abusing freedom of expression by attacking and fostering anti-values and the stability of essential social institutions as the family, traditional values and minorities. It seems clear that some type of control is necessary and required. The problem is to strike the right balance.

Consequently, this matter needs to be analyzed in an open forum that fosters an enriching intellectual exchange in order to propose concrete and practical solutions without compromising the right to freedom of expression.

The Annual Ethics Conferences have already become a renowned event for their quality and high standards. More than 1200 scholars and other stakeholders have participated in them. The proceedings will be published by Strathmore University Press in cooperation with sponsors.

Articles about the Conference in the Daily Newspapers in the Country

Daily Nation

The Government has enough laws to deal with errant media and need not pass additional laws. Nation Media Group editorial director Wangethi Mwangi said the industry was already self-regulating, and was opposed to interference by the Government. Mr Mwangi said after hearing the views and concerns by the authorities and the public, the industry had come up with a code of conduct and set up the Media Council.

He said: "In the UK the Press is accused of being intrusive, while here, the political class want to control the media, accusing it of being biased."Mr Mwangi said the media would always uphold its freedom to inform, educate and entertain the public in line with the licence it had been given by the society to promote public good. More...

The Standard

Input from media organisations should be sought before legislation affecting their operations is formulated. Standard Group Editorial Director Mr Kwendo Opanga made the remarks at Strathmore University where he was a guest speaker at the university’s annual conference on ethics.

He asked that the media’s views be included in any legislation that touches the sector. Opanga cited the proposed law on regulation of opinion polls and the Media Bill, which were essentially meant at controlling the media. He added that the media had an active lobby, The Media Council of Kenya, which should be consulted at all times. This year’s topic was on "Media and the Common Good". Opanga tackled the areas of change, responsibility and legislation. More...