A Study on Manufacturing Consent in the Coverage of the 2017 Presidential Elections in Kenya: The Case of Select FM stations

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ABSTRACT
This study aimed at establishing the extent to which manufacturing consent influenced the coverage of the 2017 presidential elections by the three selected FM radio stations in Nairobi: Radio Citizen, Radio Maisha and KBC Radio Taifa. To achieve this, the study formulated four specific objectives derived from the five filters of manufacturing consent first presented by Herman and Chomsky (2012). Therefore study employed qualitative method of inquiry using interview guide for key informants. It relied majorly on manufacturing consent theory. The findings established that media ownership (which manifest vested interests, eliminates independent decision-making by editors, and creates professional dilemma), advertising (which is critical media business), news sourcing (which affects impartiality and objectivity), and flak machines (threats and intimidation to the media), all influenced media coverage during the 2017 presidential election. The findings show media stations are compromised largely due to undue pressure from advertisers and owners, and that it is important for actors and decision-makers in the political communication spaces to allow the media greater freedom and capacity for editorial independence and professionalism. Based on the findings, the study recommends that media owners, the government, and the Media Council of Kenya rethink strategies for future media coverage of elections in Kenya.