The
Gambia Press Union (GPU), with funds from the International Republican
Institute, yesterday started a two-day training for journalists from different
media houses on election reporting.
The
capacity building workshop, underway at a hotel in Bijilo, is geared towards
building the capacity and competence of journalists to effectively report on
the forthcoming election cycle.
Saikou
Jammeh, secretary general of GPU, said the aim of the training is to
familiarise the participants with trends in election reporting and to make them
understand the ethics and legal dilemma in reporting election.
He
said the union had conducted similar trainings on other areas of importance to
the development of the society and the outcomes have always been fruitful.
Bai
Emil Touray, GPU president, said journalists are not only the amplifiers of
voices of the voiceless but they also enlighten the masses on issues and help
them make the right choices.
“As
journalists, we are expected to deliver to expectation,” he said. “Journalists have a role to play in shaping
the opinion of the people in making informed decision about the election.”
Mr
Touray noted that the union is so far pleased with the coverage of the
election.
