The Political Economy of Reporting Investigative Documentaries on Television in Kenya

Abstract

In Kenya, Investigative journalism is not fully embraced but it is clear that the documentaries have become popular. However, few Kenyan media practitioners and media houses have dared this form of journalism. The fact that the production of investigative documentaries requires huge amount of financial input, and high-risk engagements, the researcher thought it interesting to establish the motive behind some media houses in Kenya, consistently engaging in this form of reporting. The study was structured along three objectives; to identify the political and economic factors influencing the production of investigative documentaries, to establish the impact of political economic factors on television reporting of investigative documentaries, and to determine the political economic implications of reporting investigative documentaries in Kenya. The study was based on the conceptual framework of the political economy theory of media, which studies the content of programs or the effects that media have upon people.The study focused particularly on KTN’s investigative documentaries JichoPevu and The Inside S. The target population for the study were the producers, editors and reporters of the documentaries. Purposive sampling was used to select the respondents who provided the primary data for the study using questionnaires. Data obtained from filled out questionnaires was then analysed quantitatively in line with the research questions and presented in graphs and tables. The study findings led to the conclusion that public opinion and public interest are the most influential political economic factors in the production of investigative documentaries. This study will benefit policy makers and media regulatory bodies such as the Communications Authority of Kenya, the media council of Kenya and the government in embracing investigative journalism and to know the motives behind journalists who always engage in this form of journalism. The findings of the study will also add to the knowledge on media studies on investigative journalism as well as political communication, on the ethics, risks and importance of reporting investigative documentaries.