Seasoned journalist reflects on evolution of media's Anti-Doping efforts

Veteran sports journalist Michelle Katami addressing fellow journalists during an ADKA Anti-Doping workshop in Naivasha. [SJAK]

As the sports world gears up for high-profile events, anti-doping messages gain prominence, highlighting the ongoing battle against performance-enhancing drugs.

This period marks the annual "Clean Sport Workshop," a collaborative effort between the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) and the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK), now in its fifth year.

At this year’s workshop, Michelle Katami, a former BBC sports presenter and a veteran journalist with extensive experience at SuperSport and Radio Africa Group, shared her insights on the evolution of doping coverage in the media.

Katami's career has spanned numerous phases of the doping landscape, providing her with a unique perspective on the challenges and progress made over the years.

Reflecting on the early days of covering doping in sports, Katami noted, “Tackling doping issues back in the day was challenging as one needed to have 100% facts on the table. During the Isaiah Kiplagat regime – there was no ADAK, and AK would just release statements – it was difficult to cover matters doping.”

The lack of a formal anti-doping agency and the reliance on official statements made it challenging for journalists to uncover and report on doping issues accurately.

One of the significant hurdles journalists faced was gaining access to reliable sources within the athletics community.

Katami explained, “Another challenge then was to try to talk to various sources, try to convince people in the athletics ecosystem to talk about doping and what they know. Following doping leads was key.” The reluctance of individuals within the sports community to speak openly about doping further complicated efforts to expose these issues.

Over time, Katami emphasized the importance of a “duty of care” in journalism, especially when dealing with sensitive topics like doping.

“The one thing I have learned over time is ‘duty of care’; to protect athletes whose lives are in danger, try to shape a different narrative; just like we did when Kenya was on the brink of a possible WADA ban,” she said.

This principle underscores the responsibility of journalists to safeguard the well-being of athletes while pursuing the truth.

Katami also highlighted the necessity of support from media organizations in covering doping comprehensively.

“When covering doping, you have to have your media house back you up 100% in terms of resources, you need to develop good working rapport with athletes and coaches, do your own analysis on performances. Initially, we would say progression but athletics is changing,” she remarked.

The backing of media houses, along with thorough performance analysis and strong relationships with sources, is crucial for effective doping coverage.

Acknowledging the rise in doping cases, particularly among Kenyan athletes, Katami stressed the importance of accurate terminology in reporting.

“You have to acknowledge the fact that the increase in the number of doping cases has been on the rise, more so in stories featuring Kenyan athletes. In doping, use of the correct terms is of paramount importance, ‘don’t say banned when an athlete is provisionally suspended,’” she advised.

Precision in language helps maintain the integrity of reporting and ensures that athletes’ situations are represented accurately.

Michelle Katami, now a freelance multimedia African sports storyteller with a passion for television production, content generation, writing, and media relations, continues to be a significant voice in the fight against doping in sports.

Her reflections at the "Clean Sport Workshop" serve as a reminder of the critical role that journalists play in promoting clean sport and protecting the integrity of athletics.