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Momodou
Denmark
11717 Posts |
 Posted - 11 Mar 2011 : 19:17:12
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The Point Editorial: Building relations between Govt and the Independent Press
Friday, March 11, 2011
As an independent paper, we would once again like to reaffirm our commitment to report objectively without any biasness in the interest of the public and welcome the move by the new Director of Press and Public Relations (DPPR) soon after assuming office, to build good links between State House and the independent press.
We know this has not been so for more than a decade, despite repeated overtures from the press to create such links.
The latest such attempt was in the New Year Messages of Media Chiefs in the Gambia, as highlighted by The Point newspaper at the time.
Indeed, as stated in our editorial this past Monday, it is paramount that the independent press has access to government news, so that we can effectively contribute our quota to the dissemination of information about what the government is doing and saying, etc. for the benefit of the general public, and our readers, at home and abroad.
This is a duty we have, and want to fulfill, since we have a constitutional mandate to do so. All we ask is that the government facilitates this by giving us access to public information, as and when required.
It is our view that copies of speeches or statements by the President should be always prepared and disseminated to all the press, whenever they are made by the President or delivered on his behalf. Once this is done, then the rest is up to us, to use or not use the handouts, as we deem fit.
However, the office of the DPPR has a duty to make available to all the press the official statements and photos of happenings at State House.
We also want the DPPR to be inviting the independent press to cover State House functions, which facility is only extended to GRTS and the Daily Observer newspaper.
As explained above, to give us such access is not to give us a privilege, but to enable our right to fulfill our duty as dictated by the constitution, which says the press must hold the government accountable to the people of The Gambia.
This is what The Point newspaper was established to do, and will continue to do. Remember our motto is: "For Freedom and Democracy".
Thus, that The Point is an independent newspaper must never be in doubt. Let there be no doubt about that, in anybody's mind, or in any quarter!
We recall that The Point has always championed professionalism in the national press, and it is on record that we have paid and still continue to pay a high price for our principles and principled stance.
Be in no doubt, therefore, that The Point shall continue to uphold the principles held dear by our founders and publishers, especially in this crucial period of our nation’s uncertain journey towards its destiny with a proper democratic dispensation, which we are fully aware is still lacking in today's Gambia.
That The Point lives by its motto is evident in some of our recent stories namely, our report on comments made during the meeting of representatives of the Council of Chiefs with the Speaker of the National Assembly; and, the reported arrest of a man in a village in the Wuli district of the Upper River Region for the fact that the flag of Gambia’s newest opposition party was hoisted in his compound.
As has been said, again and again, the press does not create the news; it only reports what is happening.
In our view, to detain the head of a family at a police station, reportedly on the instructions of the regional governor, because pictures of an opposition leader were seen pasted on the walls of his compound and the opposition party's flag hung in the man's compound (within his private property!) is the sort of action which gives the government a very bad name, and spoils the image of the country as a place where there is political tolerance and maturity.
Indeed, this is the poor image created of the Gambia by public servants, not what journalists write or say, because people are smart enough to know fact from fiction, and propaganda or spin from peddling the truth or lies.
Public servants at all levels should stay out of politics, and leave that to the officially registered politicians and their supporters, that is, the party militants, yai compins, constituency chairpersons. These are the people who should dabble in politics and talk politics, not the civil servants who should serve all and sundry.
Our advice to the new DPPR and her colleagues is to advise the executive to instruct government functionaries at all levels to desist from any actions inimical to the efforts of the Office of the President.
In any case, we want to assure our readers, that we shall continue to be alert, so as not to deviate from the path we embarked on when The Point newspaper was launched nearly 20 years ago.
Indeed, we will remain alive to our responsibility to serve honestly the people of this great nation of ours.
We invite the DPPR and her colleagues to be guided by the oath of office, which is to execute their duties without fear or favour, affection or ill will; and for all of us to always remember the oath of allegiance to the motherland.
Source: The Point
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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toubab1020
12311 Posts |
Posted - 11 Mar 2011 : 19:23:35
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| Well.. Well..D20 million to help bring Gambians home from Lybia,and now a small olive branch (or perhaps a leaf !) to loosen the shackes that bind the Gambian media,what's happening here,is it possible that H.E. has been influenced by the recent problems in the arab world ? |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Momodou
Denmark
11717 Posts |
Posted - 17 Mar 2011 : 14:04:28
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The Point Editorial: Cordial Government-Media Relations
Thursday, March 17, 2011
We sincerely welcome the move taken by President Yahya Jammeh to hold a meeting with members of the press, in particular the independent press. Such an initiative would, no doubt, boost the relationship between Government and the independent press.
We also commend media chiefs and editors for attending the meeting, not because they want to become stooges of the government, but to see a better Gambia were everybody is able to play his or her role.
Yesterday’s meeting at State House is unprecedented, and we salute the organisers for the initiative.
We strongly believe that there is an absolute necessity for dialogue between government and the independent press.
Such forums will also give the independent journalists and the government the opportunity to clear any doubts, and to overcome mistrust.
The government of The Gambia is the Government of all Gambians, no matter what.
But, as Gambians, people could have reservations about the country’s administration, and this must be well understood.
In fact, to oppose certain policies and programmes of the government does not make you an enemy of the government.
We all owe it to the Gambian people to make government accountable to the citizens.
Equally, the media must be allowed to do its work independently, without fear or favour.
We are fully aware that factual and balance reporting shall always be the cornerstone of any serious press.
As journalists, we owe it to all Gambians and non-Gambians alike to inform them of things happening in this country which have a direct bearing on their lives.
We urge all government officials to open up their doors to journalists, since President Jammeh made it clear that his government does not have any law stopping officials from talking to the press.
We also called on the government to appoint an official spokesperson in order to establish efficient channels to reach the media, and so as to effectively get their message across.
When the relationship works well, both the media and the government would gain. When it does not work well, both have something to lose. It’s better to have a win-win arrangement.
“The free press is the mother of all our liberties and of our progress under liberty”
Adlai E. Stevenson
Source: The Point |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11717 Posts |
Posted - 17 Mar 2011 : 14:08:15
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I will not sacrifice Gambia’s security at the alter of freedom of expression Says President Jammeh
By Hatab Fadera
Thursday, March 17, 2011
The president of the Republic has made a heavy-worded statement making clear of his position that he will not under his watchful eyes sacrifice The Gambia’s peace, stability and security “at the alter of freedom of expression”.
His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh was speaking Wednesday evening at State House in Banjul during a lengthy meeting he held with members of the fourth estate [the media]. The rare meeting that had in attendance cabinet ministers including the vice president and minister of Women’s Affairs, brought together media chiefs and senior journalists in the country; and was meant among other things to strengthen and improve on the existing relationship between the government and the media fraternity.
Described as a major boost in government-media relationship, the rare meeting at the presidency accorded President Jammeh and his government the opportunity to make their positions very clear with regards to the issue. It also provided the country’s media practitioners the opportunity to relay their concerns, recommendations, as well as the challenges confronting them.
The Gambian leader emphasised that he is here for the peace and stability of the country so that everyone would enjoy life; everyone would realise their dreams; everyone would have a chance to pray to the Almighty Allah; and to ensuring that those going to school can go to school in peace; those teaching can teach in peace and those writing can write in peace. However, he reminded the fourth estate that this can only happen in a conducive environment that can only be provided by absolute peace and stability, thus stressing that all of them are responsible for the peace and stability of this country. “Also remember that when you set a fire; all you know is to set the fire but where it is going to end you don’t know,” he stated.
To this end, the president pointed out that he had sworn to uphold the constitution and the laws of The Gambia; to defend the interest of this country, something he stressed he is ready to pay any price for. While noting that his government’s role is to make this country better, the Gambian leader averred that he is not hostile to any one of the members of the media fraternity, and that he has no hatred for them. However, he maintained that he will not compromise national security, thus urging for responsibility. “Let me make one thing very clear – my heart is a very small heart; it does not have enough space to accommodate hatred. My heart is full with the love for humanity and the love for this country. I am a Muslim and I am not a pretending Muslim but a practising real Muslim. Any human being whatever your position is, if you think that you’re so high, that you can do anything to humanity, you are making a great mistake,” he stated. He added: “So what would I gain by harassing the press? I have always made it very clear from 1994 to date; that whatever I do, write it, but if you write what I didn’t do I will deal with you even if the sky is to explode. You will have to tell me where I did it, if not we will have to go to court. It is not because I am the president that I can trample on anybody’s right, no! but also because you are a journalist doesn’t also mean that you can write whatever you want to write knowing that it is not true.”
No law for public servants not to talk to the press
Dispelling the widely held belief that the public officials in his government are not supposed to talk to the press, the Gambian leader made it clear that his government has never put in any law preventing them [public officials] from talking to the press as portrayed. He recalled: “When we came from Mecca, I got that same comment that people are complaining that they are not enlightened; that they never have access to information - public officials are tight-lipped, giving the impression there is a ban.” He added: “My government has no law that public officials are not supposed to talk to the press. There is no law that prevents public officials from talking to the press. I want to be very very clear. “When you ask anybody [the public officials] and they tell you we are not supposed to talk, ask that person to put it into writing and sign it and ask the person who does not allow you to talk to the press.”
The Gambian leader made it clear that as president, he does not expect everyone to like him. “If I also expect all of you to like me, then I am making a great mistake. Any individual, even the dead body has enemies – some would say good things about it and others will say a bad thing about it. I know that there is nothing in this world that will prevent me from answering to the Almighty Allah and He will judge me for what I do. That is why I am very careful. The image given to The Gambia is that it is a dangerous country for journalists to live. Well, as far as I am concerned that will not give me grey hairs,” he stated. The president reminded the journalists that when his government came in, they used to have briefings with the press, but stressed that this was discontinued due to misrepresentation.
“ When we say this thing, instead of writing exactly what we said, you decided to say what I didn’t say as if you are Yahya Jammeh. You want to say Yahya Jammeh wanted to say this but he didn’t say it or Yahya Jammeh said this but this was exactly what he wanted to say. You say what is in my mind,” he stated. “So if you want information, and you talk to the person who you want information from; and the person say oh, we are not allowed to give information; ask the person who did not allow you to give information. But don’t go and generalise that Yahya Jammeh’s government does not even allow public officials to talk.” The Gambian leader stressed that he is “a dictator of development; a dictator of peace and stability; and a dictator of service to humanity and nothing else.” He stressed that he is not here to enrich himself but to make sure that Africans who he said are today synonymous with poverty and backwardness, would one day walk with their heads and shoulders high as they did before the coming of the white man.
“Interestingly, those people who are tutors of freedom of expression are the same people [in whose country] you can insult the Prophet (SAW) and get away with it because of freedom of expression and you go to jail for denying the holocaust. Something is wrong with us the Africans,” he lamented. President Jammeh also pointed out that the proliferation of media outlets both in print and electronic goes to vindicate his government in terms of press freedom, noting that this was not happening then. He then pointed out that if his government doesn’t want the press, it won’t have allowed operation of these outlets given the fact that it is the government that issued a licence and hence none of them could have operated without a licence.
Speaking earlier, the vice president and minister of Women’s Affairs, Her Excellency Aja Dr Isatou Njie-Saidy harped on the positive developments that have taken place from 1994 to date in terms of good governance, democracy and human rights. She noted that democratic institutions have been put in place by the current government such as the National Council for Civic Education and the Independent Electoral Commission; institutions she added were not here before the advent of this government. She said: “Let all Gambians realise that we have nothing except the country and let us not take the peace and stability of the country for granted.” Dr Njie-Saidy urged the journalists to act responsibly and think through what they are reporting.
The secretary general and head of the Civil Service, Dr Njogu Bah told the media practitioners to ensure responsibility in the discharge of their duties; one that will be accompanied with ethics. SG Bah deplored the lack of responsibility in the media, underscoring that responsibility is important in whatever one does. “Nobody is saying don’t write anything negative about what government does, but constructive criticism is what we are asking for,” he stated, while stressing the need for genuine partnership between the government and the press. The Civil Service boss concluded by urging journalists to make sure that they report accurately. The ministers of Information and Communication Infrastructure, Finance and Economic Affairs, and Health and Social Welfare, Alagie Cham, Mambury Njie and Fatim Badjie respectively, all took turns to express the need for responsible journalism, one that will not jeopardise the peace and stability of the country.
Media chiefs
The media chiefs who took turns to relay their concern spoke on a wide range of issues affecting the media, ranging from lack of information from public officials, to capacity building and the call made by them for repeal in the current media legislations. The media chiefs, while lauding the forum at the presidency, expressed hope for a new beginning between government and the press.
Suwaubou Conateh, veteran Gambian journalist and publisher of the News and Report Magazine, recommended that the government provide a platform for regular press briefings, especially at the Office of the President, as well as the ministries of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, and the Interior respectively. He also recommended repealing of certain media laws in the country.
Pap Saine, the managing director of The Point Newspaper underscored the importance of having access to government news to enable journalists effectively contribute their quota to the dissemination of information about what the government is doing and saying, for the benefit of the general public. While emphasising that the media is not an enemy to the government, The Point boss and Reuters Dean of Correspondents underscored the need for the institutionalisation of training of media personnel, particularly to diploma level at the University of The Gambia. This, he argued, will enhance quality of output and strengthen professionalism. Sam Sarr, managing editor of Foroyaa Newspaper and Abdul Adiamoh, publisher of Today Newspaper all expressed similar sentiments.
Fatou Camara, director of press and communication, Office of the President, co-chaired the ceremony.
Source: Daily Observer |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11717 Posts |
Posted - 17 Mar 2011 : 16:45:17
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President Jammeh meets with the Independent Press
By Baboucarr Senghore
Thursday, March 17, 2011
In an unprecedented move and for the first time in the history of the Gambian media, President Yahya Jammeh yesterday held a meeting with members of the press, in particular those from the independent press, as part of efforts to build good and better relations between Government and the independent press.
The meeting, held at State House in Banjul, brought together media chiefs and their editors with cabinet members with the sole objective of trashing out any misunderstanding between the state and the independent press.
It, among others, availed Gambian media chiefs, as well as the Executive, the opportunity to raise and address pressing issues, and bring about wider understanding between the two sides.
Speaking at the meeting, President Yahya Jammeh emphasized the importance of the press, stressing that the press has a positive role to play in national development, the peace and stability of any country.
However, he stated that he will not compromise or sacrifice the peace, security, stability, dignity and the well-being of Gambians for the sake of freedom of expression.
“I want that to be very clear. You can say whatever you want to say. Yes, there is freedom of expression, but there is also freedom to defend the interest of this country. Each of us has a role to play and, as long as you play your role correctly and does not endanger the livelihood of Gambians, we will be friends".
“But I will not allow anybody who wants to endanger the peace and stability of this country because, in doing so, you are asking for trouble,” he added.
According to him, stories have been going round that the Gambia Government does not normally talk to the independent press; that information is not available and that, sometimes, the impression given is that public servants are not obliged to talk to the press.
“And when comments like that are made, the fingers are pointed higher up. Let me make my position very clear. I am here for the interest of the country; the interest of every Gambian. I am here for the peace and stability of this country, so that all of us will enjoy life; all of us will realize our dreams, and all of us will have the chance to pray to the Almighty Allah".
“My government’s role is to make this country better, making the people of this country live better, peaceful and rewarding lives. My heart is a very small heart, and it does not have enough space to accommodate hatred. My heart is full with love for humanity, and the love for this country.
“Yes, I am the President; I am answerable to the Gambian people for my actions, but more importantly than that, I am answerable to the Almighty Allah, who is the supreme authority. I am not answerable to the West. I am not answerable to the East; I’m not accountable to the West. I am accountable to the Gambian people, and to the Almighty Allah,” he added.
President Jammeh emphasized that he will never sacrifice the peace, security and stability of this country on the altar of freedom of expression.
“I am making this very clear. You can write what you want, and I do what I want for the interest of the Gambian people. I’m not hostile to anyone of you. When you cross the line, and offend me, I resort to the law by taking you to court.
“I have no hatred for anyone of you, but I will not compromise national security. The peace and stability of this country, I will never compromise. So, what will I gain by harassing the press? I always make it very clear, from 1994 to date, that whatever I do, write it, but if you write what I didn’t do, I will deal with you, and I will deal with you whether the West or the East likes it or not, even if the sky is going to explode.
“Because am the President doesn’t mean that I can trample on anybody’s rights or go about beating up people. No, but also because you are a journalist does not mean that you can write whatever you want to write, knowing that it is not true,” he stated.
The Gambian leader further stated that the only power that he knew, and is afraid of, is the Almighty Allah. That the only person he is afraid of is the person he offended, because Allah does not want people who offend.
“Most people believe that the press, when you talk to them, then they say public officials are not allowed to talk to them. Let me make it very clear that my government has no law that says that public officials cannot talk to the press. There is no law in place that prevents public officials from talking to the press. I want that to be very clear. When they tell you that they have not been allowed to talk to them, tell them to put it in writing, and ask them who tells them that they should not talk to you.
“If I think that the whole government is APRC, I’m making a great mistake. And if I also expect all of you to like me, then I’m sick. Any individual, and even dead bodies, have enemies because some will say good things about dead bodies, and some will say bad things about them. Who am I, Yahya Jammeh, to expect that everybody should love me and who ever doesn’t love me I should lock him up or kill him?
“From 1994 to date, we have people that have been sentenced to death for killing soldiers in Farafenni and Kartong and are still in death row. There is no power or authority in this world that I am afraid of that prevented me from implementing the sentence against them. But the image portrayed that Yahya Jammeh is a monster, is a dictator, is a killer, and that The Gambia is not a place for journalists; how many people have been killed in this country? If I was a monster, I would have been killing a lot of people when we just came in, but that’s not what I believe in,” he remarked.
He went on to note that there is law in this country. “If I want to say that, I am the President, and I will take the law into my own hands, then I am subverting the rule of law, I’m bringing about the law of the jungle, which I will not do. I want to make it very clear that anybody who is killed in this country or is sentenced to death, if I have to sign the death warrant, I will.
“Am I afraid of any Western power? No, am not, because no Western power is feeding me. I see no reason why I should be afraid of executing people that have killed soldiers or have been sentenced to death by a court of law, and then go and kill a journalist.
“Interestingly enough, those people that are tutors of freedom of expression are the same people in whose countries you can insult the Prophet (PBUH), and get away with it because that is freedom of expression; and you go to jail for denying the holocaust,” he asserted.
Swaebou Conateh, publisher of the Gambia News and Report Magazine, stated that relations between the Government and press could not have been worst than now. However, he noted, it is not too late to adjust or readjust the position, so that the Gambia can, among its many achievements under the Jammeh administration, boast of having the most free press in Africa, if not in the whole world.
He, among others, highlighted the detentions, prosecutions that have taken place and the mysterious killings and disappearance of journalists in the country.
He expressed the need for government to look into the issue of decriminalizing speech and consider repealing draconian medial laws, which, according to him, are out of step with the information age.
Conateh further expressed gratitude for the enabling environment created by government that led to the proliferation of radio stations in the country. He also called on government to create the platform for regular press briefings.
Pap Saine, Managing Director and co-publisher of The Point newspaper underscored the importance of having a good and cordial relationship between the government and the press.
According to him, it is paramount that the independent press has access to government news, “so that we can effectively contribute our quota to the dissemination of information about what the government is doing and saying, etc. for the benefit of the general public, and our readers, at home and abroad.
“We want to make our position very clear that we are not an enemy to the state, as many people perceive us in certain quarters. The journalist does not see himself or herself in that role. We are neither backers of, nor the opposition. Our job requires us to report on both the pleasant and the sordid aspects of society,” he further stated.
In his view, “we live in a society that has people with divergent views and dissenting opinions and, quite naturally, the media is expected to be pluralistic.
“We do not want to be seen as enemies, but as partners in development. We are simply contributing our quota to nation-building,” Saine pointed out.
Sam Sarr, Editor of Foroyaa newspaper, welcomed the move and expressed hope that this marks the beginning of fruitful discussions between the media and the Executive.
According to him, the Executive has a role and function, but the media also has its role and its functions, and the role of the media is clearly defined in the constitution.
“I am interested in knowing the position of the Executive on this issue. The President has spoken his mind, but I am interested in knowing the position of the government regarding this constitutional provision, which states that the press and other information media shall at all times be free to uphold the principal provisions and objectives of this constitution, and the responsibility and accountability of the Gambia government to the people of The Gambia,” he said, adding that as far as Foroyaa is concerned, this serves as their guiding principle.
He noted that governments have to be kept on their toes in order to assist them to become more effective, and also to avoid certain wrong doings and errors that may be created in the process of governance.
Also speaking at the meeting was the Vice President and minister for Women’s Affairs, Aja Dr Isatou Njie-Saidy, who underscored the need for capacity building and institutional strengthening, as well as responsible reporting by journalists.
She called on journalists to verify their facts before reporting, noting journalists should also talk about developments that have taken place in this country since 1994 to date, and say the positive developments about good governance, democracy and human rights.
“A lot of progress has been registered in this country, and that should be commended,” she added.
According to her, journalists should admit the fact that the country has seen the proliferation of so many radio stations in this country, adding that when this is done, government will be convinced that there is a balance in reporting.
“Say what we have done bad, but also say what we have done good,” she declared.
Read our tomorrow’s issue for more details about the meeting of the President with the press.
Source: The Point |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11717 Posts |
Posted - 18 Mar 2011 : 14:32:08
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The Wednesday Quadrangle Tète â Tète Towards A Better Government-Private Media Relations
Friday, March 18, 2011
The private media’s Wednesday meeting with the President of the Republic of The Gambia at State House has sent good signals that the barrier between the executive and media is not natural.
The meeting was preceded by a short briefing of editors of various independent media houses by the newly appointed Director of Press and Public Relations at the President’s Office Ms Fatou Camara. We commend the young DPPR for her foresight in trying to break the long erected concrete wall between the private media and the executive to build a bridge of confidence and understanding.
This move towards a better government-private media relation is laudable. However, the State House meeting is just the yard clearing; the seed is not yet sown. We can call it the beginning of the beginning.
The most admirable thing about the meeting is that it was a forum for frank talk. The media personnel who spoke at ‘the Wednesday Quadrangular tète â tète’ have spoken their minds about the state of the media environment in the country, access to public information among other things.
The four media chiefs who were given the floor to speak, Swaebou Conateh News and Report, Pap Saine The Point, Sam Sarr, Foroyaa and Hamid Adiamoh Today all talked about issues that really portrayed the realities of the media atmosphere in The Gambia.
We hope that the concerns raised by these media chiefs would be given the attention required so as to sow a fresh seed of an enviable government-private media relation.
The increasing number of private FM radio station is not enough; they must play their roles effectively and by creating the conducive environment so as to promote media pluralism. Ofcourse it would not be created by accident but by genuine and progressive decision in the best interest of the public.
The issue of speech being decriminalized which was rubbished off by the President is infact the case in The Gambia. Criminalization of speech in The Gambia is undeniable. The Newspaper Amendment Act and the Criminal Amendment Act are draconian, because of the stiff sentences they entail for press offences.
The constitution has clearly defined the role of the media as holding government accountable. The head of state has also raised the issue of a media commission, saying that some of the media laws can be repealed if the media accept the establishment of a media commission that takes charge of redress of media related issues.
It is important to comprehend that a media commission is very necessary, but it is best for it to take a form of a self regulatory body, which comprises veteran journalists and other experts who may not necessary be media personnel.
Another significant development at the meeting was the announcement by DPPR that the Attorney General’s Chambers has sent a letter to Sheriff Bojang that Standard Newspaper can make a comeback on the newsstands.
We also hope that this meeting of the private media and the President is not going to be the last of its kind, but would be frequently held and will continue.
We are not calling for an imitation, but atleast we can emulate other countries. The Senegalese and the Ghanaian government despite being among the most criticised by the media they have done their best and still doing their best to give the media their dues.
In Ghana electricity was subsidized for the media so as to cut down their expenditure and enhance sustainability. The Senegalese government also gives about 300 Million CFA to the media fraternity as subsidies and has built maison de la presse (press house) for the media, now nearing completion. Mali also gives similar subsidies to the media. Such subsidies ease the work of the media as watchdogs of society and partners in development. These countries did not stopped at that but went as far as decriminalizing press offences and have allowed the media to form self-regulatory bodies to ensure responsibility and best standards and practices.
The present communication minister of Ghana in consultation with the executive pledged to source funding for the media in order to promote responsible journalism. Imagine a government instead of blaming the press but study their problem and intervene instead of setting traps for them through draconian legislations.
Those who read the history of Thomas Jefferson, the drafter of the American Declaration for Independence would know that he was subjected to media criticism, but that did not make a caricature the media or its practioners. In one of his 1787 writings he went to the extent of preferring a press without a government to a government without a press.
Journalism, like medicine, law and engineering, is a profession and not a mere career. That is why it has it ethics as the guiding principles for the practitioners
Source: DailyNews |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11717 Posts |
Posted - 19 Mar 2011 : 22:59:31
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Foroyaa Editorial: THE PRESIDENT AND THE MEDIA BREAKING THE ICE OR INCREASING THE FROZENNESS
19-03-11
History was made by Fatou Camara when she mediated to bring the Media to sit face to face with the President. No one knew what the outcome of the meeting would be. Now that the meeting has taken place Foroyaa could now draw the lessons for posterity.
First and foremost, many people are asking what the purpose of the meeting was.
The media collects and disseminates information. Its constituency is the people. The Executive makes policy and provides public services to the people. Its constituency is the people. Opposition parties want to replace the current executive and become policy makers and service providers. Their constituency is the people. It is the duty of the media to collect information from all sides and disseminate it to the people. In all democratic countries one could find three types of media. One that may have an editorial policy that leans towards the ruling party, another which has an editorial policy that leans towards the opposition and finally one that serves as an umpire without leaning to either side. However what is absolutely essential if the media is to serve the people, irrespective of its leaning is to publish the truth in good faith in the public interest. Hence the Executive, the opposition and the people should all be interested in a media that publishes the truth in good faith in the public interest. No honest and decent citizen is interested in having a Media, an executive or an opposition which tells lies to the people in bad faith.
Hence the only purpose the meeting between the Media heads and the Executive could have served is to explore all factors which militate against the dissemination of the truth in good faith in the public interest.
What Foroyaa expected, which motivated its Managing Editor to accept the invitation from the state house to meet the President is a frank discussion, that would enable the media to tell the executive what reforms are necessary to enable Media practitioners to have the environment that is conducive for the publication of the truth in good faith in the public interest. On the other hand, the executive was also expected to give its critic of the Media so that it could come up with self regulatory mechanisms to improve quality and standard of reporting. This would have broken the ice and all would have left with a clear perspective of what should be done from hence forth to promote freedom of expression and freedom of the media.
A review of the meeting reveals that the determination of the heads of the Non Governmental Media establishments to ensure that the event was not reduced to a public relation exercise was marched by the determination of the executive to show that it was not out to appease the media because of weakness. Focus was put on the forest thus loosing sight of the tree of how to make freedom of expression and freedom of the media to blossom.
The Ice has not been broken but a start has been made for frank discussions between the executive and the media heads. Only those who are afraid of the truth would be afraid for the frank discussion to continue. Both sides have issued their statements. The public knows that the Media heads were not invited to receive gifts and praise the president. It is clear that they are not in for a public relation exercise. It is also clear that the executive does not want to be seen to be trying to appease the Media heads. Now the Media and the Executive should go to the second round of exploring what is to be done to address the concerns raised by both sides.
Decriminalization of libel and freedom of expression is not the same as giving license to the violation of the rights of others. It simply means that violations should be pursued through civil suits. In such cases instead of imprisonment and fines the person culpable is made to pay the aggrieved person the sums awarded by the courts. Foroyaa also stands for a self regulatory Media Commission as obtains in Ghana and not administrative courts that punishes without the due process of a trial. The Media should look into the matter again and make its own proposal for the executive to consider confirming to the Executive that the Media practitioners are not afraid of criticism and a self regulatory framework that enhances the publication of the truth in good faith in the public interest.
The Executive should also come up with a Freedom Of Information Act, decriminalize libel, amend the general orders and open up to the media in terms of giving information. The President claims that the public servants are free to give information to satisfy the public interest. As a start the Managing Editor of Foroyaa News Paper will visit the Ministry of Interior on Monday to find out from the relevant authorities why Youssef Ezzidine is not appearing in court like the other people who were convicted with him. He will narrate the experience to our readers.
Source: Foroyaa |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 20 Mar 2011 : 03:29:22
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Relevant update from Foroyaa National news: PRESIDENT JAMMEH MEETS MEDIA HEADS No Public Relation Exercise And No Appeasement under http://www.foroyaa.gm/modules/news/article.php?storyid=6413
What Heads of Media Houses who spoke were Mr. Swaebou Conateh of News and Report, Mr. Pap Saine of The Point, Mr. Sam Sarr of Foroyaa and Mr. Hamid Adiamoh of Today said; as follows
- "Mr Swaebou Conateh, expressed the hope that the Executive would not use the occasion as a public relation exercise and welcome the invitation for a dialogue to address mutual concerns that would lead to the protection of freedom of expression and media. He called on the executive to do the following:
1. Decriminalise free speech
2. Revoke the law on sedition
3. Decriminalise libel and revoke the law on false publication
4. Enact Freedom of Information law
5. Ensure Regular press briefings at state house and occasional press conferences.
He observed that a mere declaration by the president that public servants are free to talk to the press does not suffice. To make them free there should be a formal circular to that effect."
- "Mr. Pap Saine emphasized the need for the point newspaper to adhere to its mandate and added his voice to the following:
1. Access to information
2. Revocation of anti-media laws (libel, sedition and the newspaper amendment act)
3. Provision of more training opportunities
4. Revocation of education levy as far as newspapers are concerned
5. Reduction of taxation on newspapers
6. Government renewing its subscriptions to newspapers and making timely payment "
- "Sam Sarr of the Foroyaa cited section 207(3) of the constitution: “The press and other information media shall at all times, be free to uphold …… the responsibility and accountability of the Government to the people of The Gambia.” He told them that Foroyaa uses this as its guiding principle and asked them to explain the executive’s position on this constitutional mandate.
He also referred to section 208 of the constitution on the state owned media affording fair opportunities and facilities to express divergent views and dissenting opinions. He asked them to express an opinion on this. He told them that without pluralism holding the government accountable to the people will be meaningless.
He further told them that to hold the government accountable there must be access to information which is currently a problem. He cited a host of examples. There must also be freedom of expression, noting that thinking about the threat of going to jail when editing tantamount to self censorship which is inimical to freedom of expression.
He told them that there is no need for the government to become uneasy when the death of Deyda and the disappearance of Chief Manneh are mentioned as it should be the concern of both the media fraternity and the state."
- "Mr. Hamid Adiamoh emphasised that though he carries a Nigerian passport, he considers himself a Gambian, noting that The Gambia enjoys peace and stability which many countries do not enjoy. He assured the president that all those media personnel that he knows in The Gambia media do not bear any ill-will against the President. That there are some who accused the government of being hostile to press freedom and that practice should be improved to allay such machinations."
Editor's Note"Foroyaa will publish the views expressed at the meeting verbatim in the next issue for posterity."
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Edited by - kobo on 20 Mar 2011 04:32:20 |
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Momodou
Denmark
11717 Posts |
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Karamba
United Kingdom
3820 Posts |
Posted - 20 Mar 2011 : 17:03:11
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Yaya Jammeh is a big joke. How comes they turned the occasion into prayer session?
Bogus! Bogus! Bogus!
All fake and nothing else. |
Karamba |
Edited by - Karamba on 20 Mar 2011 17:06:08 |
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Momodou
Denmark
11717 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jun 2011 : 13:48:01
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Dailynews Editorial: Fatou Camara’s Unsurprising Marching Orders Saddened The Daily NewsWednesday, June 15, 2011
When Fatou Camara made an astute and bold attempt to bridge the longstanding differences between the Jammeh administration and independent media, it was a widely held view that she would soon receive her marching orders.
And she did on Friday 10 June, 2011.
This paper is by no means reaching to a conclusion that Fatou Camara was dismissed as a result of facilitating the first ever face-to-face frank talk between President Jammeh and heads of the independent media houses. But, we are not ruling it out either as a possibility.
The Daily News is saddened by the unsurprising termination of her services, which came barely three months after her appointment as Director of Press and Public Relations without any reason/s advanced.
Eventhough, for reasons unknown to us, we at The Daily News, have not been among the private media institutions that are being invited to cover events at State House after government/media dialogue, we applaud the young Gambian lady for the manner she behaved herself in that office.
It must be noted that Ms Camara is not the first holder of that position under the Jammeh regime. Infact, among all the previous holders of the position of DPPR in the Jammeh administration, she could be the least experienced.
Yet, aware of the possible repercussions, Ms Camara did not waiver in striving for a positive change in a regime that hides under the cloak of ‘national interest’ and ‘state security’ to suppress freedom.
Therefore, Fatou would never be forgotten atleast for pushing Jammeh to come face-to-face with the media, hear our demands and his government’s gross failings to the media.
She has also intervened when independent journalists were prevented from entering the National Assembly during the State Opening. Now, two independent newspapers are covering events at State House.
As the DPPR position is vacant again, the uncertainty of who would occupy the post and what would be the would-be post holder’s relation with the media be, is worth a ponder.
Our kudos to you Fatou, inspite of the many issues we could disagree on.
Source: Dailynews |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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