The training, among others, seeks to equip journalists and news presenters with the necessary skills and knowledge needed to contribute to holding credible, fair, accurate, impartial and peaceful reporting on elections through responsible journalism.
At the training, participants were trained on peace journalism and elections, political reporting, overview of Local Government Act and other electoral related issues.
Addressing the gathering, Isatou Keita, Vice President of the Gambia Press Union (GPU), underscored the role of the media in promoting good governance, democracy and holding those in power accountable.
“It is important that journalists report on electoral process of the Mayoral/Chairpersons ethically and professionally. The GPU is committed to promoting excellence in journalism and upholding the highest standards professional ethics.”
She called on journalists to avoid acts that may compromise the integrity of the electoral process.
Baboucarr Cham, chairperson of the Media Council of The Gambia, encouraged media practitioners to use the digital media responsibly and always think critically.
He informed that it is important for journalists to consciously reflect critically on their content before feeding the public with information considering the impact it will make.
He equally calls on the need for journalists to put in mechanisms to distinguish between manipulative, fake news, conspiracy stories, facts and realities before publishing any story.
Clauda Konde, ECOWAS representative, stated that to ensure responsible journalism in the country, there is a need to build the capacities of Gambian media practitioners in key areas of journalism to ensure they perform their functions effectively, efficiently, responsibly and in a professional manner.
He, thus, expressed ECOWAS’s readiness to continue helping in building capacities of Gambian journalists.
Salome Oyupi, UNDP representative, reminded the crucial role the media plays in any proper functioning democracy, saying there is no better time to test their commitment than during a political process.
The media, she added, also serves as a watchdog by informing the public to enable public participation in elections by not only reporting, but also educating voters on how to exercise their democratic rights.
She urged journalists to refrain from providing space or airtime to promote hate speech or utterances that might initiate violence or cause harm.
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