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Momodou
Denmark
11806 Posts |
 Posted - 14 Mar 2008 : 15:13:35
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Foroyaa Editorial
The GPU Congress Which Way Forward?
As the Gambia Press Union (GPU) Congress draws near a variety of views on the performance and conduct of the GPU have been expressed.
Indeed, much interest has been shown by media practitioners and apparently others on the forthcoming congress. This is a healthy development because it indicates that the GPU has a significant role to play, and can play a significant role in the development of our dear land.
The Constitution of The Gambia recognises the significant role of the media as the watch dog of society by stating explicitly in Section 207 subsection (3) that "The press and other information media shall at all times, be free to uphold the principles, provisions and objectives of this Constitution, and the responsibility of the Government to the people of The Gambia."
This is a heavy responsibility that must be recognised by all media practitioners. The role of the GPU is to facilitate the role of the media. Concretely it means providing the necessary support to make it possible for media houses and media practitioners to conduct their work in a professional manner in a free atmosphere.
In other words, a strong GPU can strengthen the media while a weak GPU can make the media vulnerable. Hence, not losing sight of the issues at hand at the congress is of great importance.
Gambia lacks professional courses for journalism which paves the way for a professional media. Needless to say, professionalism becomes empty chatter where freedom of expression is lacking. The experience in The Gambia in the past few years as far as freedom of expression is concerned leaves much to be desired.
In our view, therefore, selecting the best candidate means selecting the one who can best promote the professionalism of the media and freedom of the press in The Gambia.
While reflecting on the past and looking towards the future, it is prudent for all and sundry to exercise vigilance and avoid being caught off guard by any hidden hand that may attempt to cast a die. The dichotomy between genuine concern and manipulation must be grasped.
To conclude, the time has come for the elected representatives to render account and for the membership to carve its destiny. Two types of leadership can emerge from the congress a leadership which can strengthen the media by promoting professionalism and freedom of expression or one that can stifle the media.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issues
Issue No. 31/2008, 14-16 2008
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