Reporting on trade a Kenyan view: the media has a duty to inform the public about trade matters that affect their lives. But with limited resources and too little interaction with trade bodies, Southern journalists have a hard time.

• Date: 01 October 2006
• Author: Kamau, John
• Published date: 01 October 2006
• Author: Kamau, John

Covering trade issues in the South is no mean feat when most of the drama and decision-making sessions take place a long way away and government bodies do not want to part with information.

Yet journalists are supposed to be the watchdog for millions of people who are not aware of what is happening. It is our job to break down the jargon for them, immerse them in the debates and explain the impact of trade arrangements on their lives.

As trade reporters we see ourselves as having a duty to report in a way that educates the public, makes them aware of the decisions that government officials are about to make and explains how these will affect ordinary people.

The assumption in the North is that Southern media understand the multilateral trading system. In fact, understanding is fragmented and poor.

Local journalists, driven by local stories, usually find it hard to comprehend the actions of international players--let's say in the global coffee market. As a result, media stories may not, for example, highlight the impact of global prices. Trade bodies need to work with journalists so that the right information reaches farmers.

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