BUSOGA UNIVERSITY

NAME:
OTIENO SHARON AWUOR

REG NO:

BU/9178/09/BMCR

FACULTY:

HUMMANITIES, BUSINESS AND

MANAGEMENT

COURSE:

BACHELOR OF MASS COMMUNICATION

ACADEMIC YEAR:

2010/2011

YEAR: SEMESTER :

THREE TWO

COURSE UNIT :

INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOJOURNALISM

LECTURER QUESTION

: :

MR. DANIEL SAIRE

1. A.How does the legal framework affect photojournalists in your country B.Using ethics learnt in class show how you can take an appealing photo for your media organization.

1.a Despite the fact that Article 19 of the Kenyan constitution welcomes the efforts to introduce a strong framework for freedom of expression, noting a number of positive aspects while at the same time outlining shortcomings, the Kenyan legal framework has continuously affected photojournalists on a number of occasions as below. Firstly, since the Kenyan Government announced tough new media laws on 23 December 2009, A hostile and inadequate political, legal, policy and regulatory environment continues to negatively impact on the media in Kenya. Likewise the field of photojournalism has encountered a number of challenges. Although freedom of expression is provided for in the Constitution, under section 79, there is no specific protection in law for the media in Kenya, photojournalism inclusive. In fact, there appear to be more derogation that undermines freedom of speech and expression than there are provisions to promote it. Media continue to be regulated through various laws such as the Public Order Act, the Defamation Act, and the Preservation of Public Security Act, the Books and Newspapers Act and the Media Act, among others. The current Constitution of Kenya is the supreme law. Although it guarantees the right to freedom of expression, it does not mention freedom of the press and of the media specifically. The constitution provides limitations to the fundamental rights and freedoms under vague circumstances. This has often allowed for violations of the same rights. Photojournalists are affected too. Worthy to note is that the Kenyan media legal framework does not specify laws that protect photojournalists. This poses a big threat since photojournalism is not catered for in the constitution. Kenya has strong anti-media laws. Most of them undermine media freedom as they are largely retrogressive, punitive and repressive. They promote censorship and encourageself-censorship3. Some journalists are afraid when working on expository stories, and therefore approach them with trepidation and fear of stepping on the toes of powerful politicians and corporate leaders, the consequences of which are usually grave. The Judiciary has often abused the various media laws by awarding unreasonable sums of money in damages against media organizations found to have defamed or slandered certain persons. That the integrity of Kenyas Judiciary has been in question. The Media We Want The Media Vulnerabilities Study Report 20 The Kenyan law only guides journalists on how to execute duties,but it does not guarantee their security. For instance, In January 2008, photojournalists Hezron Njorge of The Nation and Robert Gicheru of The Standard were shot while covering riots in the Kibera slums of Nairobi, The Nation reported. Both were hospitalized but recovered. Clifford Derrick, a reporter and cameraman working for the Kenya Television Network, was brutally assaulted while trying to cover alleged vote-rigging in Nairobi, and the list is endless. Photojournalists in Kenya have been frequently denied freedom to take legal action against those who offend them .For instance Philo Ikonya and Fwamba N C Fwamba, were reportedly arrested while taking part in a peaceful protest and severely beaten while in police custody.

Ikonya and Fwamba, who both required hospital treatment following the attack, have been denied the right to lodge an official complaint against the police officer who assaulted them. The media reminds the Kenyan authorities of its duty to protect its citizens, including their right to freedom of expression, assembly and peaceful protest, as well as freedom from cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or but all in vain. It has also tried to call on the authorities to conduct a full and impartial investigation into the alleged police assault as a matter of urgency and to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice, but their pleas have always landed on stone deaf ears. Journalist Francis Nyaruri was found beheaded following articles exposing police corruption on 5 January 2009 in pictures The Kenyan law. These have only oppressed the general media industry. For instance, in December 2008, Kenya's Parliament launched a scathing attack on the media and vowed to ensure it is "tamed." One member after another tore into the media, apparently angered by the all-out campaign against a controversial Bill recently passed by Parliament that seeks to give the government power to control media content. The onslaught was started by Bura MP Danson Mungatana who rose to complain about being labelled as Enemy No.1 of the media for supporting the Bill that seeks to control the content, manner and scheduling of radio and TV programmes. The enactment of the draconian law to regulate media content also affects the photojournalists, and gives authorities broad powers of surveillance(Owuor 2009). The media in Kenya was stunned as Kenya's Parliament defiantly enacted a draconian law on 10 December 2008 that empowers the Minister for Internal Security to take over media houses and confiscate equipment on grounds of state security. A number of photojournalists have been killed in Kenya. For example, Photojournalist covering land dispute murdered, motive uncertain, Two. Despite arrest of suspect in photojournalist's murder, questions about the killing remain unanswered. Photojournalists have been mistreated at the expense of big wigs in government. Reporters without Borders has voiced concern about governmental hostility towards the privately-owned media after Chris Ojow, a photojournalist with the daily Nation, was roughed up by President Mwai Kibaki's bodyguards when he tried to take pictures of the president during a Sunday service in church on 7 January 2007. Prison officials attacked three journalists from Nation Television who were covering an escape attempt by six inmates. (B). Photography is an important tool in the hands of the journalist. It is perhaps this tool which is facing the best and worst effects of modern technology. Advancements in technology during the past four decades have made several cherished skills of the photographer irrelevant. Camera electronics has grown beyond helping him with exposure and focusing. It can now almost fully take over these functions and its dependability is very high. Basing on the media ethics learnt from class, I would use the following principles to take appealing photographs for my media organization.

Engaging in personal practices. Since practice makes perfect, I would ensure that I practice in taking photographs. This in turn yields good results. By having my photographic works looked at by real friends who can give frank feedback, and advice, can help me to know where to correct. This at the end breeds good results. By being flexible at specific scenes, I can take good photos for my media organization. For example by using A tripod stand,it allows to set up and take time to compose a photo with serious intent; enables low noise as the shutter stays open longer; look cool while it is carried around; allows to keep the shutter open for some seconds for the fleeting sunrise and sunset. The Composition is another factor I would put in mind,including its principles. The manner in which you frame the subject matter magnifies its artistic and emotional impact on the viewer. I also ensure that the three elements in common are at work: They include good subject, good lighting and good composition. In composition I can emphaise the following Principles Center of interest: Since A photograph should have a strong focal point I would determine what it is before composing your photo. I also keep compositions simple, avoiding busy background that distracts from a subject. Others include subject off center Horizon lines Vary angles: Shoot at varying angles to capture a subject from a different viewpoint. Move the camera higher or lower than you usually do. For a dramatic effect, take some photos from a birds-eye or wormseyes view. Framing. In this I compose a subject by zooming or moving closer it. I would learn and understand the camera to be used and how it functions. This can help me to know how best to use it for the best. I ensure that I arrive at the scene from where to take the photograph in time to take the relevant photographs. If is a function for example, I arrive in time to determine good positions from where I can base to take appealing photos. Considering the Relevancy of the photograph in relation to the function or news event being covered would be important, as it determines the photos worthiness. Proximity. I would use this element to ensure that I take photos that are closely related to the story to be written. Consciousness and steadfastness is kept in my mind in order to continue working for longer. For instance, when going to take photos of political rallies I must ensure that I base in a position where there is no big crowd, ready to take off in case of any riot or danger. I could ensure that I get well conversant with the laws to execute duties with in the context. This can help me to take photographs with confidence that there will be no disturbance. Whenever going to the field I first study the season to get ready with the whether gadgets to avoid disturbance by any situation that may arise.

REFERENCE Owuor. J , (2009)The new media law http://www.ifex.org/kenya/2008/12/15/government_enacts_draconian_law/IFEX Clearing House Richmond S. (2003) Principles taking a good photograph Toronto, http://www.ifex.org/kenya/2011/08/10/journalists_prison_attack/ The Defamation Act, Cap 36 of the Laws of Kenya. The constitution of the Republic of Kenya. See http://www.coekenya.go.ke/ Media Africas report: African Media Barometer Kenya, 2005 at http://fesmedia.org/