Habineza, Kazura can do better

Media or not media? This should not be a question to occupy in our minds even after realizing that professionalism is not in attendance in some of our sports media leave alone the entire Rwandan media. I clearly capture a picture of frustration that might be hard-hitting sport minister Joseph Habineza and Ferwafa president, Jean Bosco Kazura. However, I absolutely believe that the ministry and Ferwafa should own a responsibility of establishing a professional sports media. This could be done through creating open constructive dialogue and trust in which both parties would understand each other, hence working towards same strategic mission and objectives. The sports ministry and Ferwafa should have identified that there is need for capacity building, and then formulate strategies to unearth solutions. This is the way forward other than opting for a blackout for some journalists as quoted as minister saying in the recent press conference. A blackout would instead make the situation worse because incapacitated will continue existing and working, a thing which may prove to be unproductive to the country’s ports development. As said in the recent press conference during which the new national soccer coach Josip Kuze was unveiled, Kazura said “Ferwafa needs the media and we want to work with you as partners.” This is very important that the man, who has always fallen short of dealing with media, recognizes the importance and value attached to a relationship between sports and media. Therefore, Kazura and Habineza should insert into their consideration to forge working relationships with befitting institutions inside and outside the country to foster capacity building of their circumstantial partners. In other established societies, this should have not been the case because they have massive involvement of private investors. It’s quite unfortunate for us in Rwanda that our media is yet to receive weighty and visionary investors. However, high authorities in the sports arena should ignore all sorts of knocks they have encountered and provide some kind of service to the local media like training for some sports journalists otherwise an unskilled media would hinder various developmental initiatives if any. Do not expect consistence in reporting or news coverage when some of the local journalists diehard fans of top clubs in the national league. This is unethical and dangerous as far as fair reporting is concerned. This is why you will find a particular journalist reporting only negatively or positively about one club, official or associations, irrespective of trendy of changes in course. We sports journalists must uphold the highest ethical standards to avoid cheapening ourselves like a problem. Things like accepting invitations by some officials to a bar and share a beer together will be liable to jeopardize the way you execute your profession. Hate to death, I will insist calling it stupid! However, federation and sports ministry officials should also consult their relevant stakeholders like FIFA and other international counterparts on how efficient they should deal with the media. Ends