Story Selection Processes as a Determinant of Political Bias in Broadcast Programmes in Nakuru County, Kenya

Abstract

This study examined the influence of story selection processes on political bias in broadcast programmes in Nakuru County, Kenya. The study was guided by Agenda-Setting Theory and Gatekeeping Theory, which explain how editorial choices determine the salience, visibility, and interpretation of political information. A mixed-methods descriptive design was adopted. The study targeted heads of stations, editors, producers, reporters, presenters, and Media Council officials at five local radio and television stations in Nakuru County, as well as listeners and viewers of political broadcasts in Nakuru City. Census sampling was used to include all 74 media professionals, while 385 listeners and viewers were selected from identifiable consumers appearing in the five stations’ programme-engagement records during the study period. The total sample comprised 459 respondents. Questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data from the audience, while interview schedules were used to obtain qualitative data from media professionals. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics in SPSS Version 30, while interview data were analysed through manual thematic coding. Findings showed that unclear editorial criteria, selective prioritisation of politically convenient stories, the omission of sensitive issues, and political pressure led to bias in broadcast programmes. In contrast, transparent selection criteria and broad issue coverage reduced it. The study concluded that story selection significantly influences political bias because it determines which political realities audiences encounter and which are suppressed or minimised. These findings are significant for broadcast editors, media regulators, and policymakers seeking to strengthen editorial independence, fairness, and public trust in county-level political broadcasting in Kenya.