At the opening ceremony, Marr Nyang, Executive Director of Gambia Participates, urged participants to apply the knowledge gained from the training in their daily work.
He reminded that "those who are cooking propaganda, their main target is those who have platforms, whether it is radio, platforms, print, broadcast, or TV stations."
To avoid amplifying misinformation and propaganda, Mr Nyang called on journalists to always verify information they receive and assess their impact on their audience and the population.
"So, you have a huge responsibility. Your platforms can make or break a society," said the pro-fiscal transparency advocate.
Miss Fatoumatta Ceesay, a representative from the American Embassy, while expressing excitement in partnering with Gambia Participates to empower journalists and influencers on issues relating to false news and propaganda, equally reminded them of their role in society.
“Journalists are the fourth estate which makes them a target for people to spread false information and the likes. Therefore, equipping their knowledge to know how to detect and avoid such is essential.”
Arret Jatta, a participant from the Standard Newspaper, expressed gratitude to the organisers for the opportunity accorded them.
She promised to use the knowledge gained from the training to practice positive and peaceful journalism.
Moreover, the training included a range of modules covering topics such as ethical journalism.
