Client: Kenya News Agency
Date: 15 August 2018
To enhance effectiveness, efficiency, and overall news management, the Kenya News Agency (KNA) is set to embark on a transformative journey by introducing the News Management System. Established on December 5th, 1963, just a week before Kenya's Independence, KNA has been at the forefront of news gathering and dissemination, primarily focusing on development news.
The current system relies on documents sent via email to headquarters for editing, featuring shared folders for the first editor, second editor, and the final version. However, to keep up with the modern era's demands and align with the national vision of achieving development goals outlined in Vision 2030, KNA envisions a more streamlined and technologically advanced approach to news management.
The proposed News Management System introduces a comprehensive and efficient workflow. News articles will now be authored directly into the system, allowing for draft saving and seamless collaboration among editorial tiers. The system is designed to have a structured hierarchy, starting with the first editor pool, then the second editor pool, and finally reaching the chief editor before being transmitted to subscribers.
Key features of the proposed system include a user-friendly interface for editors, with drafts being published to the first editor pool for initial review. Subsequently, the second editor pool takes charge, ensuring thorough scrutiny and enhancements before the chief editor gives the final nod. The edited articles are then transmitted directly to subscribers through a dedicated portal.
Subscribers, in turn, will have access to a secure login portal, where they can select and retrieve the articles they need, providing a more personalized and efficient experience. This marks a significant shift from the current system of sending finalized documents through shared folders and email.
Better management and archival capabilities are inherent in the system, facilitating easy retrieval and referencing of past articles. Centralized management ensures uniformity and consistency in the editorial process, while the effortless appraisal of articles enhances the overall quality of news content.
As KNA embraces this modernized approach, it positions itself not only as a leading news agency in Kenya but also as a trailblazer in leveraging technology to advance the field of journalism. The News Management System for Kenya News Agency promises to revolutionize how news is managed, ensuring that KNA continues to play a central role in promoting national development and unity well into the future.