By: Modou Touray
Sheriff Saidykhan, Vice President of the Gambia Press Union, has said the Capacity Building for Media Council and GPU on Media Monitoring is a significant step towards promoting ethical journalism in Gambia
He emphasized that the media landscape is evolving in the Gambia, hence the need
to establish a framework that not only identifies ethical violations but
also promotes adherence to ethical values.
Mr Saidykhan made the statement at the
Capacity Building for Media Council and GPU on Media Monitoring
of Ethical Violations and the Development of a Guide on Media
Monitoring of Ethical Violations at Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre on Tuesday.
“This two-day capacity building will help to equip the GPU and its
affiliates and the Media Council with the requisite knowledge and skills in media monitoring, thereby providing a foundation for the
creation of a culture of accountability and transparency in the
Gambian media landscape. Media monitoring plays a crucial role in ensuring ethical standards are upheld in journalism.
That is why, as part of the GPU’s activities with International IDEA under the CODE Project, a comprehensive guide on media monitoring
that focuses on ethical standards within the Gambian contextbe developed.”
The GPU VP noted that the Gambian media in its Code of Conduct (the Cherno Jallow
Charter of Ethics for Journalists) outlined key ethical principles,
including accuracy, fairness, and accountability, tailored to the unique
cultural and political environment of The Gambia.
“The Charter also emphasized the “Social Responsibility” of
journalists – which includes the responsibility to promote and protect
public health and safety; respect the law; uphold the public’s right to fair, accurate, balanced information on issues and events of public interest; and not use their professional status for selfish motives.
The development of a media monitoring guide will, therefore, enhance the implementation of the Charter as it will serve as a resource for the GPU and the Media Council of The Gambia (MCG) with clear guidelines on how to monitor media content for ethical violations effectively. ”
He further stated that ultimately, the guide will empower the MCG, an independent media
regulator, to promote and ensure journalists uphold ethical standards, thereby enhancing public trust in the media and contributing to a more informed society and peaceful society.
While recognizing the support and collaboration
from International IDEA and the European Union for being valuable
partners supporting efforts to strengthen the Gambian media, Mr Saidykan stressed the GPU’s commitment to be part of this important
training on Media Monitoring of Ethical Violations meant to build the capacity of GPU staff, board members, the Media Council of The Gambia, and GPU affiliates.
This activity forms part of activities implemented by the GPU under
the EU-funded Consolidation of Democratic Dispensation in The
Gambia (CODE)1
implemented by International IDEA.
The project aims to contribute to the consolidation of a participatory,
inclusive, and human rights-based democratic transition in The Gambia.
