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ebou4th
USA
106 Posts |
 Posted - 17 Apr 2008 : 05:56:02
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Do not Cut your Nose in order to Spite your Face!
In response to Karamba Touray’s criticism of the point newspaper; The Director of the Point Newspaper Mr. Pap Saine said this about the Gambian Media in the Diaspora “The favorable stock-in-trade of such people as far as the practice of journalism is concerned is the adoption of a rigid, subjective posture regardless of circumstances and developments simply because distance and jurisdiction permits them to give vent to sometimes exaggerated feelings”. I did not totally grasp the full meaning and the wisdom of his words till I visited the Gambia a month later.
The online media has pioneered a revolution and the editors should be commended for their work. No one can take credit from the pioneers of the online revolution but the hawkish stand against the Gambian Government sometimes goes over board and tends to over look the good and entirely focus on the negative to the detriment of the battered image of the country. Some of the reports are outright unfounded, malicious and petty. Bubacarr Sankanu was absolutely right when he said “If non entities are allowed to monopolize opinion making with their negativity, they will skid the Gambia into chaos just like the religious fundamentalist”
Like most Gambians in the Diaspora I fervently believe that there are several issues that need to be addressed by the current administration. As long as these issues continue to exist, the only segment of the Gambian population that is not restricted “The Diaspora” should continue the pressure on the Government to adhere to the rule of law and respect human rights.
While pressuring the Government, the online media should be mindful and look out for the image and the security of our motherland. The image the online media is portraying is not accurate; objective and progressive minded Gambians know that although there are serious issues with the APRC administration these issues are almost always exaggerated. Unfounded reports like imminent coup de tats, Senegal’s plans to invade the Gambia mugging of Edward Signateh and calling for an overthrow of the APRC Government just to name a few are serious national security issues that should not be taking lightly. No one gains from a destabilized Gambia; I for one have my entire family back home not to mention my undying love for my motherland. These types of unfounded stories are the highest point of nonsense; it is high time that decent Gambians stand united to save our country from the damage that such stories have caused.
My recent visit to the Gambia was an eye opening experience, not all the accusations leveled against the Government are true. The Gambia like every developing nation has its share of problems. What the Gambia Diaspora needs to come to terms with is the fact that The Gambia is progressing and shall keep progressing with or without us.
It is understandable why the media in the Diaspora is opposing to the current government, but the media cannot afford to continue on its current path. Politicians come and go, but The Gambia will be there for all. So my humble advice to the media in the Diaspora is: Do not Cut your nose to Spite Your Face.
Cherno Baba Jallow’s criticism angered some people and the response to his criticism was the same old petty personal attacks; the online media cannot see every criticism and or challenge as malicious. All parties involved in the socio-economic development of The Gambia should accept criticism openly as long as it is void of malice and based on facts. The media in the Diaspora cannot criticize and play hardball with the APRC administration for not being tolerant to its critics and turn around a show the same lack of tolerance to its critic.
In my book the APRC and the media should be held to the same standards. Independent minded Gambians will give you credit where credit is due and criticize you when you are wrong. The media started a revolution that was left unchecked for too long, it is high time for independent voices to provide checks and hold the online media accountable.
Mr. Jallow asked questions such as; what are the standards for accuracy of the information supplied to the Diaspora? What is considered news? When do you report the news? These are reasonable and valid questions and the media should not see these observations as an assault but as concerns that are shared by some of their readers. The media cannot expect independent minded readers to stay silent when there are concerns about the quality of their product. There are ample examples of reports that turned out to be unfounded; what do you expect? Shouldn’t the readers question such reports? or do you expect the readers to sit idly and accept every report you publish be it accurate or not?
While the media should not be restricted in any shape or form, the editors of the online papers should be mindful of the responsibility to publish timely yet accurate information that is not against the national security and interest of the Gambia. The media should be mindful of the bigger picture: The interest of our motherland:
Once again please don’t cut your nose to spite you face.
I can be reached at ebrima114@hotmail.com or 706-593-5625
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“Revolutions are brought about by men, by men who think as men of action and act as men of thought.”
Kwame Nkrumah
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Edited by - ebou4th on 17 Apr 2008 06:04:45 |
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dbaldeh
USA
934 Posts |
Posted - 17 Apr 2008 : 09:45:55
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Ebou4th, welcome back and thanks for weighing in to the issues raised by Cherno Baba. I think the echo is loud and clear that the general public is demanding higher standards and ethical reporting in our online newspapers.
It always baffles me for those of us practicing some form of journalism to think that we cannot be subject to the same scrutiny that we levy against Jammeh every single day. How much of a dictator are we if infact we cannot allow a single criticism for the work we do every single day?
I think you hit the nail on the head when you said people come and go but Gambia remains our motherland. While we are very much against the policies of the Jammeh regime, we should be hesitant to publish something that is detrimental to the security of our nation.
Other times I keep wondering if we will have any credibility in a court of law if what we write is to be presented as evidence against the Jammeh regime. Could you imagine appearing before the U.S senate or the EU or any other credible international organization depiching Yahya Jammeh as evil and dictatorial? His people can come right backk and paint anyone of us as full of malice and hatred against him and our nation.
Please keep the pressure and together we can always better represent our nation.
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Baldeh,
"Be the change you want to see in the world" Ghandi
Visit http://www.gainako.com for your daily news and politics |
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Santanfara
3460 Posts |
Posted - 17 Apr 2008 : 11:42:01
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| ebou4th, which news paper did karamba's letter appeared on? before commenting ,i would want to read what karamba commented on. one thing i know ,the point is in a different climate to the online papers. we have to understand the constraints. pa saine is entitle to fire up ,he was arround before many of the online papers imerge. so some times ,not acknowldging him cause anger and frustration. but on the other hand, our country's image to the outside world is of paramount importance, especially in side of investment directly or indirectly. but the vital other issues must be addressed first. justice is all that we claim for ourselves. if we in the diaspora have some relative freedom to express ourselves whilst those back home can't,then things are not working properly. pap has a point to bite on, but you don't bite the hand that feeds you. |
Surah- Ar-Rum 30-22
"And among His signs is the creation of heavens and the earth, and the difference of your languages and colours. verily, in that are indeed signs for men of sound knowledge." Qu'ran
www.suntoumana.blogspot.com |
Edited by - Santanfara on 17 Apr 2008 11:43:21 |
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mansasulu
997 Posts |
Posted - 17 Apr 2008 : 14:40:17
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| Ebou4th, you points are a breath of fresh air. Your observations are spot on! I couldn't have done a better job in a million tries. Too often we are tempted to term any opposition or criticism short of an all out assault of the government back home as tantamount to being APRC sympathisers. This sort of 'with us or against us' mentality is drowning a lot of positives that are going on in Gambia. I believe we all owe an obligation to make a better Gambia. |
"...Verily, in the remembrance of Allâh do hearts find rest..." Sura Al-Rad (Chapter 13, Verse 28)
...Gambian by birth, Muslim by the grace of Allah... |
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mavaric
Turkmenistan
94 Posts |
Posted - 17 Apr 2008 : 14:42:00
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| Cherno hit them hard, thats why they tried to assassinate his character. The Gambia Echo is trailing behind Freedom Newspaper in their news distortion league . I have to commend Senegambia news for staying away from that path.. I know they almost got drawn into that style but after a good attack from Loius Friends Blog.. they seemed to adjust their journalistic style, focusing on credible sources and applying a higher standard of critique . Freedom Newspaper however has become a joke to be honest, I only visit it once in a while just to have a laugh.. the Gambia Echo is not that far off either.. just my opinion anyway.. |
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ebou4th
USA
106 Posts |
Posted - 17 Apr 2008 : 15:17:10
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i am humbled by the responses I have received about this posting. I could not find Karamba's peice but here is Pap Saine's response:
Thanks
http://www.senegambianews.com/article.cfm?articleID=2152 |
“Revolutions are brought about by men, by men who think as men of action and act as men of thought.”
Kwame Nkrumah
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ebou4th
USA
106 Posts |
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Santanfara
3460 Posts |
Posted - 17 Apr 2008 : 17:11:47
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| no wonder pap saine's stiff reaction. karamba's comments are highly valid. the point news paper has change posture. yes,many would want a different kind of news reporting ,just like we would like a different kind of citizen's involvement in wider and national issues. |
Surah- Ar-Rum 30-22
"And among His signs is the creation of heavens and the earth, and the difference of your languages and colours. verily, in that are indeed signs for men of sound knowledge." Qu'ran
www.suntoumana.blogspot.com |
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shaka
996 Posts |
Posted - 17 Apr 2008 : 17:58:14
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| Great evaluation Ebou4th!! Mavaric you have also hit the nail. It is one thing claim to be a good journalist and a patriot but use this position to heap slander at anybody you perceive to be an enemy, real or imagined by virtue of their frank opinion of what they believed to be unethical and immoral abuse of your position in the way you present your editorial devoid of any factual content, is downright criminal. This trend by the Freedom Newspaper and to a some extent the The Gambia Echo should be slammed and dunked in the Serekunda Market public toilets by any patriotic Gambian or believer in freedom of expression. What is more disheartening is the seeming inability of some of these "journalist" to express remorse or own up to their mistake as if they own the copyright to every opinion or willing to learn from the mountains of criticisms dished to them to positively progress themselves. This arrogant defiance knowing you are in the bloody wrong is what i simply can't stomach. In this age and time, access to news and information about any country anywhere in this world has moved from being essential to being a necessity and to a certain extent a basic human right. This why every nation committed to the principles of democracy and willing to uplift the capacity of its populace should aspire to provide them with information at every level. This not being the case however does not give any individual the right to distort events, exaggerate or cook up facts and disseminate slander that is injurious to another party or parties in the name of "Breaking News". That you are the first to break the news does not make it a fact nor its content newsworthy. Its is well researched, fact inclusive and balanced presentation that make good news. It is time Gambians do away with hypocrisy and tell our brothers in the online news business the bitter truth: that we understand that we have an oppressive journalist bashing regime ruling our beloved nation that we all abhor, but equally nobody has the right to insult our intelligence by misrepresenting and inventing facts, slandering private individuals and public figures and Government in the name of journalism while expecting us to believe and applaud every garbage they have to spew. It takes a well meaning Journalist to own up to his or her errors and make amends where it is due. |
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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
Posted - 17 Apr 2008 : 19:49:12
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hmhmhmhmhmhmhmhm!!!!!!!!!! Food for thought. "Give to Csaer what is due to Csaer and give to God what is due to God"
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“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it--always.” |
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Santanfara
3460 Posts |
Posted - 20 Apr 2008 : 10:25:02
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Read Mr Karamba's response "Ebrima Conteh Again" April 20th, 2008 - cutesy of www.gainako.com
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Surah- Ar-Rum 30-22
"And among His signs is the creation of heavens and the earth, and the difference of your languages and colours. verily, in that are indeed signs for men of sound knowledge." Qu'ran
www.suntoumana.blogspot.com |
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Moe
USA
2326 Posts |
Posted - 20 Apr 2008 : 23:00:32
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Mine too Mavaric , We share the same sentiments and i will reassure you that the Bantaba will never get that way since we have people like you ,Madiba and the rest who ain't scared to set things straight and question any writer for their rhetoric bullcrap they claim is news worthy. If they never learnt any kind of moral or ethical behaviour i will take it upon my self to teach them one by one.We deserve the truth when all the media institutions are failing yet slander and bigotry is not the solution..............................Peacequote:
Originally posted by mavaric
Cherno hit them hard, thats why they tried to assassinate his character. The Gambia Echo is trailing behind Freedom Newspaper in their news distortion league . I have to commend Senegambia news for staying away from that path.. I know they almost got drawn into that style but after a good attack from Loius Friends Blog.. they seemed to adjust their journalistic style, focusing on credible sources and applying a higher standard of critique . Freedom Newspaper however has become a joke to be honest, I only visit it once in a while just to have a laugh.. the Gambia Echo is not that far off either.. just my opinion anyway..
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I am Jebel Musa better yet rock of Gibraltar,either or,still a stronghold and a Pillar commanding direction
The GPU wants Me Hunted Down for what I don't know ..... |
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