A Handbook on Reporting Terrorism

This guidebook is a tool for Kenyan media professionals who are reporting on issues of terrorism, and who seek to counter violent extremism. As explained in the report, “Kenya has suffered its fair share of terror related attacks including the Westgate Mall attack, Garissa University College attack and an attack on Kenyan soldiers in El Adde. In all these instances, there were accusations and counter accusations between the media and security agencies on inaccurate reporting and sensationalism and violations of media freedom on the other hand through intimidation and denial of vital information.”

The Media Council of Kenya and International Media Support worked together to address the challenges that journalists face when covering terrorism and violent extremism, and to strengthen the role of the media in preventing and countering violent extremism. One of the results of this cooperation is this guidebook. It is designed to help journalists to effectively cover stories without putting innocent civilians (or security forces) in harm’s way, without instilling fear in the community or giving attention to publicity-seeking terrorists. It also addresses some of the following concerns:

• Providing a platform for terror groups especially through live coverage – what laws might this violate?;
• Laws on national security and freedom of expression;
• Ethical considerations in reporting such as accuracy and fairness;
• How to strike a balance between objective coverage and sensationalism;
• Reliability and credibility of sources;
• National security versus media freedom; and
• Effective media and security relations

The guidebook is divided into the following sections:

• Introduction
• Defining Terms and trends of Terrorism, Radicalism and Violent Extremism in Kenya
• Professional Ethics: Responsibility of the media
• The Public’s Right to Information: What, how and when to report
• Reporting terrorism: Words to avoid
• Getting it right: Verification
• Social media, photojournalism and going live
• Dealing with victims, survivors and families
• Interacting with security agencies
• Staying safe (physical, digital and psychosocial safety)