KALANGALA – Uganda’s media practitioners have been advised to practice solution journalism.
Speaking at the UTB media training on June 27, Daniel Kalinaki, Head of Editorial, from Nation Media Group emphasized the need to implement “Solution journalism” in creating a brighter future.
“The media is full of sad stories that turn off readers” he noted.
He further revealed that the number of copies sold by newspapers is dwindling due to the constant bad news reported in the local press.
“Newspapers sell the most copies when there are job opportunities advertised, that shows you that people are looking for hope not gloomy stories.”
He made these remarks yesterday, during his presentation titled “A silver lining in every dark cloud”
He encouraged his fellow journalists to look at the world through their local prism and in so doing help in balancing journalism with tourism.
Mr Kalinaki, also noted that most land-locked countries like Uganda tend to be more inward-looking which affects the way the media reports stories.
Another speaker, Michael Wakabi, a seasoned veteran journalist also highlighted the importance of verifying facts in news stories with the aid of numbers.
“Numbers contain secrets and logic and they provide context, all through the ages man has worked with numbers, even in modern days numbers are used to get a sense of one’s net worth, distance and time.”
Mr Wakabi, has appealed to all journalists to employ more regular use of numbers in their story-telling careers because numbers are neutral.
“Numbers bring clarity to issues in times of controversy,” asserted Mr Wakabi.
Sandra Natukunda, senior Public Relations Officer at Uganda Tourism Board addressing journalists. (PML Daily PHOTO)
The on-going media training at Brovad Sands Lodge in Kalangala is organised and sponsored by the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB).
The training is aimed at unifying the way Ugandan media reports stories. It’s also intended to promote responsible journalism by encouraging reporters and editors to uphold Uganda’s tourism interests in the course of their duties.
According to Sandra Natukunda, the Senior Public Relations Officer (PRO) at UTB has revealed that similar talks are underway with various government bodies including Uganda Police and other relevant stakeholders to manage crisis situations that can potentially harm Uganda’s reputation as a preferred tourism destination.
The 4-day UTB media training is in its final stretch and is set to close off today.
Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) has already partnered with the triumphant Uganda Cranes at the 2019 AFCON football tournament.
The UTB-powered Uganda Cranes have so far trounced DR Congo 2:0 and also drawn 1:1 with Zimbabwe in their first two encounters at the ongoing continental showpiece.
