𝑼𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒅 𝑽𝒐𝒊𝒄𝒆𝒔: 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑩𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑻𝒓𝒊𝒖𝒎𝒑𝒉 𝒐𝒇 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝑴𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒂 𝒐𝒏 𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑭𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒐𝒎 𝑫𝒂𝒚

As the world comes together today to celebrate World Press Freedom Day, many media practitioners across the globe raise their voices in pride, freedom, and resilience. This is a day that honors the right to speak, report, and uncover truths without fear or favor. But while the mainstream media relishes this moment of recognition and celebration, there exists a forgotten sector the community media.

Community media has long been sidelined, perceived as a platform for the less privileged, or worse, as an informal or amateur form of journalism. Yet, its role in society remains undeniable. These are the very media houses that sit closest to the heart of the people, addressing real-life issues from the grassroots level where the pain is raw, and the truth is often silenced.

In Kenya, and particularly in informal settlements like Mukuru, community media houses like Ruben FM have become sanctuaries of hope. They stand as a voice for the voiceless and a watchdog for the forgotten. These platforms hold leaders accountable, highlight local challenges, and bring attention to matters that the mainstream media often overlooks or sensationalizes.

However, the heroes behind community media the journalists face countless hurdles. Threats and intimidation are a daily reality. These brave men and women operate in environments where speaking truth to power often leads to backlash, social isolation, or even violence. Yet, they continue to report, driven by purpose, not profit.

Poor wages and inadequate working conditions are part of the norm for many community journalists. Unlike their mainstream counterparts, they often lack proper equipment, stable internet, or safe working environments. Their passion and commitment to serving their communities are what keep them going, even in the absence of recognition or support.

Community journalists are often left out of critical media forums and development programs. Their voices are rarely heard in national conversations about journalism and press freedom. Yet they are the ones in the trenches, uncovering stories that reflect the true state of the nation stories about housing, water, education, and justice to mention but afew.

Despite the struggles, community media has emerged as a reliable tool for change. When systems fail or institutions fall silent, communities turn to their local radio stations and journalists. Ruben FM, for example, has consistently held local and national leaders to account, driving change through public dialogue and grassroots mobilization on issues affecting the Mukuru community at large.

In times of crisis, it is community media that responds the fastest. Whether it’s public health campaigns, election monitoring, or disaster awareness, community media delivers accurate, localized, and life saving information. It is this trust that has built an unbreakable bond between these media outlets and the people they serve.

Ironically, while mainstream media often portrays marginalized communities in a negative light, it is from these very communities that many outstanding journalists emerge both locally and on the international stage. These are voices sharpened by adversity and guided by integrity, whose stories need to be amplified, not ignored.

As we celebrate this year’s World Press Freedom Day, we must ask: Is community media truly free? Does it enjoy the same protection and recognition as other forms of journalism? The answer, unfortunately, remains no and that should concern us all.

Community media deserves the same respect, investment, and legal protection as mainstream outlets. Its proximity to the people, and its potential to spark real change, makes it one of the most powerful tools for democratic development and social justice.

In conclusion, while the challenges are many, the impact of community media is undeniable. As we embrace technological advancements and artificial intelligence, let us not forget the tireless efforts of community journalists who continue to serve society’s most overlooked populations. Today, we celebrate their courage, their resilience, and their unwavering dedication to truth.

Joshua Mutisya

RubenFM 99.9

Journalist