Babucarr Cham, chairperson of the Media Council expressed hope that after the engagement, a lot will be known about what it takes to ensure quality media content that will improve credibility and proper transmission of information.
Muhammed S. Bah, the Gambia Press Union (GPU) President, highlighted that the dialogue is very timely and relevant, saying it is important to engage media professionals on ethics and the promotion of good media content.
“Good media content plays a pivotal role in shaping society and influencing public opinion. It informs, educates and entertains, serving as a catalyst for dialogue and understanding. With the proliferation of digital platforms, the demand for high-quality media content has never been greater. It is through good media content that we gain insights into diverse perspectives, uncover truth and challenge prevailing narratives. It has the power to inspire, evoke empathy, and spark change. By upholding journalistic integrity, promoting factual accuracy, and embracing diverse voices, good media content strengthens democracy, fosters critical thinking and cultivates a well-informed and engaged citizenry,” he declared.
Hon. Lamin Queen Jammeh, minister for Information reassured the media of government support in ensuring a smooth environment for media practitioners. According to him, more efforts are being made to ensure the access to information bill is fully implemented.
Lamin Kandeh, a representative of Freedom House, noted that they are fortunate to have seen The Gambia embark on a remarkable journey towards democratic reforms, noting that the media plays a pivotal role in the process.
“We acknowledge the challenges faced by media professionals during the previous era of repression and commend their resilience and courage in continuing to provide information to the public, often under difficult circumstances. The challenges under the Jammeh era and challenges today are different, therefore qualify journalism is essential,” he said.
He added that they have supported several initiatives meant to strengthen the media, saying they will continue to do so as needed. “Freedom House through PRJ remains committed to supporting media development and promoting press freedom in The Gambia.”
Eric R. Mehler, deputy Chief of Mission for USAID also assured of their continuous support and said the media should consider factual information and quality instead of wanting to be the first to publish.
Ndey Sireng Bakurin, Executive Director of TANGO, said without a free and unshackled media, there is no democracy. “Democracy comprises the right to choose your representation, the freedom of speech and association. It includes the freedom of movement and worship and freedom of the press and the rule of law. Without these elements, there is no democracy. All these are God given rights; they are not man made rights. They are our fundamental human rights, and not man made rights. Anything to restrict them is not democratic.”
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