School of Communication, Cinematic and Creative Arts

By Nicole Wanjiku Gitau

On March 25, investigative journalist John-Allan Namu, gave a guest lecture highlighting the journey through the journalism landscape in this fast-paced digital age. This thought-provoking session illuminated transformative effects of technology on how news is conveyed and consumed.

With the presence of famous social media platforms like X and TikTok, media outlets are no longer the only ones to break the news first. This has led traditional media to reassess its role in a world where real-time updates have taken precedence. Understanding that it’s not about being first anymore but rather it’s about being profound. The new mantra is ‘let’s pause for context’ whereby journalists now find themselves tasked with crafting ‘Day-2’ coverage, delving deeper into the significance of unfolding events, offering clarity amidst a storm of soundbites.

Namu stated that in this digital age, the role of journalists has evolved from mere reporters of facts to storytellers who explore the ‘why’ behind the headlines. They standout as trustworthy, guiding the public through different narratives thereby going beyond social media channels that presents unverified and often contradictory information. With an audience struggling to understand the bigger picture, journalists play the role of navigators, steering the audience clear of the pitfalls of misinformation. Namu also highlighted that investigative journalism is a frontline defense against this tide of confusion. He advocated for the adoption of an investigative mindset, an approach that involves harnessing open-source intelligence and cultivating relationships with confidential sources.

Additionally, he urged journalists to embrace artificial intelligence arguing that journalists must not fear AI or feel that it’s a threat to journalism but rather use it to enhance research, storytelling, and the depth of investigative pieces.

Namu also noted that methods of storytelling must evolve in order to maintain an engaging narrative in an age where attention spans are fleeting. He urged journalists to ensure that their stories resonates and speaks to the language of today’s audiences. He further reminded that personal narratives are potent, often more so than the rigid formats of traditional journalism that can feel cold and distant. He used the example of social media influencers who manage to distill complex political debates, such as the finance bill 2024 protests, into relatable language, making critical issues accessible to the masses.

Furthermore, he pointed out the dangers of citizen journalism reiterating that, influencers and whistleblowers can easily sway the narrative without the ethical anchors that guide trained journalists. Social media platforms if utilized without integrity, could be a breeding ground for misinformation. He implored the attendees to ‘trust but verify’ adding that he uses three points of verification which include credible studies, firsthand witnesses, and tangible evidence. He also explored the risks and heartbreaks often associated with investigative journalism as well as the struggles of legacy media institutions amidst this rapidly changing digital landscape.

At the end of his lecture, he noted that the future of journalism is a canvas waiting to be painted imparting a sense of hope and possibility. He emphasized that with adaptability and resilience, we stand on the brink of something transformative, a landscape ripe for innovation and creativity. Adding that with AI and social media in play, journalist have evolved from mere reporters into explorers, positioned to embark on a compelling journey that speaks to the hearts and minds of the audience.