Business reporters urged on accuracy

Local business journalists have been challenged to report accurately because “misinformation might hurt the economy in forms of deferred investments”.“It is important to equip business reporters with the necessary knowledge to be able to efficiently analyse issues and report accurately,” Dr. Thomas Kigabo, the National Bank of Rwanda chief economist, said. He was presenting a paper on the monetary policy during a two-day training for business reporters organised by Bolt Media, a local consultancy firm, at Hilltop Hotel in Remera, Kigali last week. Kigabo observed that many reporters were distorting information because they do not understand the sectors they write about, adding that he was optimistic the situation would improve with more targeted training programmes.The training, sponsored by the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD), aimed at equipping journalists with basic knowledge and skills in economic, finance and business reporting. It covered writing skills, the monetary policy, financial markets and modern payment systems, as well as the supervision and regulation of financial institutions.Frank Abaho, the BRD public relations and communications officer, said the training will help enhance reporters’ understanding of the economy and the need to report accurately and objectively to help foster growth. About 52 reporters attended the training that was crowned with the creation of a business and economy reporters’ network and election of interim leaders for the group.The training workshop was also supported by the National Bank of Rwanda, Tigo Rwanda, KCB Bank Rwanda, and MTN Rwanda.

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Business reporters urged on accuracy