The
Gambia Press Union has commenced preparations ahead of the 5th edition of the
national journalism award with an inception meeting with the organising
committee.
The
inception meeting was held on Friday,13th March 2020,at the GPU secretariat in
Fajara.
The
organising committee of the annual award is tasked with the responsibility to
coordinate the organisation, logistics and fundraising for the award.
The
Award Committee, comprising 14 members, is chaired by veteran journalist Demba
Ali Jawo. Other members of the committee are:
1. Jainaba Nyang
2. Essa Jallow
3. Famara Fofana
4. Sallah Njie
5. Therese Keita
6. Lamin Sam Jaiteh
7. Hatab Fadera
8. Sanna Camara
9. Lamin Fatty
10. Dodou Bojang
11. Maimuna Sidibeh
12. Fatoumatta Ceesay
13. Catherine P. Jassey
The
National Journalism Award is a flagship event of World Press Freedom Day
(WPFD), commemorated May 3rd every year as declared by the United Nations
General Assembly.
“The
Award is the most prestigious and highest honours in Gambian journalism. Since
its inception 2016, the event has become the most prominent journalism event as
honour and recognition is given to courageous and hardworking journalists for
their outstanding contribution to the development of society”.
The
competition is open to all journalists and media outlets. Each winner gets a
prize in the form of a trophy, certificate and working gadget. An independent
panel of seasoned media professionals judges the entries.
“The
annual event brings together veteran journalists, practicing journalists,
members of the civil society, senior government officials, officials of
embassies, the private sector and development partners among others. The
program is realizing its objective of improving standards of journalism. Today,
journalists demonstrably strive to be decorated by working harder on getting
high-impact stories. Every year, the GPU Executive Committee, acting on the
recommendation of the Secretariat, puts together an interim committee of
volunteers to coordinate and fundraise for the award”.
