Media Council of Kenya (MCK) in conjunction with Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) has conducted a scribes’ training workshop in Naivasha for WRC Safari Rally national accredited media well in time for action which begins with Loldia Shakedown on Wednesday.
The MCK sponsored media training was graced by WRC Media Delegate at Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA)Vera Dussausaye who emphasized the need for local media practitioners to understand the dynamics of the iconic World Rally Championship (WRC) and accreditation guidelines.
“The WRC Safari Rally is so special, thanks to it being in the wild and it’s always special being part of it. Accreditation for the Safari has officially closed and I’m delighted that plenty of local journalists applied well ahead,” Vera said.
She added: “Media is very important in telling the story and as WRC we’re always ready to help journalists to execute their responsibilities and duties in the easiest way possible. I’m sure this training will adequately equip the accredited local journalists to tell the Safari Rally stories in the best possible way.”
Vera also highlighted the fabled facet of WRC Safari which hitherto ranks the Kenyan classic fixture as ‘The World’s Toughest Rally.”
“When I go to other rounds of WRC it’s something akin to a normal day going to work. But when I come to Kenya, Safari is special and this is noticeably evident from the amount of excitement and passion exhibited by local spectators ,” said Vera.
Victor Bwire, OGW Director of Media Training and Development at MCK on his part called on the journalists covering this year’s Safari to shirk from the negative connotation and portray the event in good light.
“Journalists should adhere to ethical standards during the rally. They should be in a position to verify their sources ” Bwire said who was representing MCK Chief Executive David Omwoyo.
The scribes also received vital information about Safari Photography from Standard Group Editor Stafford Ondego who sensitized photographers to familiarise themselves with rules and dynamics of rally sport.
“Local Safari photographers should work hand in hand with the editors in order to develop quality content. Rally1 Hybrid cars are very fast machines so you need a high-speed camera to capture moment in real time,” said Ondego.
Ondego also challenged photographers to strive to master Safari jargons like “fresh fresh” and many more which come in handy in captioning pictures.
For the first time in the history of Safari, it was compulsory for those applying for Safari National Accreditation to attach a valid 2024 Media Council press card.
National Safary Press Officer and seasoned journalist Elias Makori thanked the Media Council of Kenya for their initiative of promoting professionalism through setting media standards and ensuring compliance.
SJAK President James Waindi, on his part, thanked the FIA delegate for gracing the function and appreciated MCK for facilitating the media workshop
Mr. Waindi urged them to organize more of similar events to enlighten sports journalists and improve the quality of reportage.
The Media Council is the principal national body mandated to develop and regulate the media industry in Kenya, in order to promote media freedom, professionalism and independence.
