Waan, a onetime-time journalist, also acknowledged that the media being the fourth organ in any democratic government, yet faces serious challenges that limit its growth and effectiveness in the country.
In its media policy strategy seen by this medium, the movement observed that the Gambia’s media landscape is facing numerous challenges such as financial constraints; low professional capacity; lack of sufficient materials; political and legal pressure and weak infrastructure and technology.
‘‘In a nutshell, The Gambian media lacked sustainable funding making media houses to rely only on weak advertisement. Very few media houses receive donation in the country and those donations are based on request, mostly from international organizations.’’
Waan also observed that low professional capacity is also affecting journalists especially young ones a great deal as many a journalist lacks training opportunities, leading to gaps in professionalism and specialisation.
‘‘In series of instances, the Gambian media has been facing political interference and occasional intimidation. This pressure has forced several media houses to go pro-government limiting accountability.’’
Since the coming of the Barrow administration in 2017, he observed that, the Gambia Press Union has been trying to amend some draconian media laws such as cybercrime law, the disturbing false publication and false broadcasting laws, but to no avail.
Thus, he commented about weak infrastructure and technology as Gambian journalists and media houses continue to find challenges in their daily operations.
‘‘Therefore, they cannot access modern equipment, and better internet to do their work effectively. A government under our leadership will work with journalists, media chiefs, and the public to overcome these obstacles and build a vibrant, independent, and professional media sector.’’
CF Solutions for the media
Following their research, the movement came to the reality that lack of support to Gambian media has made several senior journalists to abandon the newsroom, affecting the public’s right to access to credible and timely information.
‘‘Therefore, a government under the leadership of the Change Front Movement will come with a law that would ensure annual subvention to the media fraternity without any interference in the media houses’ editorial policies. Our government will make sure the GPU Media Bargaining Agreement is implemented to the core to ensure young journalists receive lucrative monthly salaries.’’
He noted that a government under his leadership will work with media chiefs to ensure that all reporters get adequate and consistent risk allowance, clothing allowance, transport allowance, health insurance and rental allowance.
‘‘Our government will make sure even interns in media houses receive good salary and allowance because we believe every reporter is at risk and must be compensated for that. We would work with media chiefs to ensure all journalists get good cloths to appear smartly.’’
He also spoke of his movement plans to introduce tax incentives for private businesses that advertise with local media and establish a media development fund to support innovation, investigative journalism, and community radios.
In addition, he said they will work in partnership with GPU to create a National Journalism Training Programme to enhance journalists’ professionalism in the industry.
