Community radio stations have been urged to prioritise localised content that reflects the realities, interests and needs of the communities they serve, as a way of growing audiences and strengthening public trust.
Media Council of Kenya (MCK) Meru Regional Coordinator Jackson Karanja said community media can only remain relevant if their programming is firmly anchored in local stories and lived experiences.
“Community radio stations exist for the people around them. When content reflects the daily lives, challenges, culture and aspirations of the local audience, listeners feel seen, heard and valued,” Mr Karanja said.
He was speaking during a sensitisation forum held at GGV Radio in Meru County, where journalists and station managers were taken through best practices in community broadcasting and media ethics.
Mr Karanja encouraged community stations to consistently produce and air stories drawn from their immediate surroundings, noting that local content not only attracts more listeners but also fosters a sense of ownership among community members.
“When residents hear their own voices, issues and successes on air, they are more likely to tune in, engage and support the station,” he said.
He added that localisation should go beyond the use of local languages to include community-driven programming, inclusive sourcing and regular engagement with grassroots stakeholders.
“Localisation is about relevance – asking what matters to the boda boda rider, the farmer, the youth and the trader, then shaping content that responds to those realities in an ethical and professional way,” Mr Karanja said.
During the forum, he also highlighted key provisions of the Code of Conduct for Media Practice, emphasising the responsibility of journalists to uphold ethical standards in a rapidly evolving media environment.
“The Code of Conduct is not meant to restrict journalists but to guide them in maintaining credibility, professionalism and public trust – especially at a time when misinformation and shortcuts are more tempting,” he noted.
Mr Karanja further cautioned journalists against the uncritical use of artificial intelligence tools in content production, urging them to apply such technologies responsibly and transparently.
“AI tools can support journalism, but they should not replace editorial judgement. Audiences can tell when content has been copied directly from AI tools, and that erodes trust. Journalists must ensure originality, accuracy and accountability in everything they publish,” he said.
The sensitisation forum forms part of MCK’s ongoing efforts to strengthen ethical journalism and promote quality, community-centred media across the region.
