Former Vice President Isatou Keita was elected President of the Gambia Press Union on Saturday, during the Union’s annual general meeting and congress.
The congress, held from 13-14 December 2024, also saw Sheriff Saidykhan of the Outpost elected to the position of Vice President, while Meita Touray, a journalism trainer, was elected Treasurer.
Paul Steven Prierra of Star TV, Alieu Ceesay of QTV, Mariama Bojang of GFF Media, Adama Makasuba of GTTV, and Nelson Manneh of Foroyaa Newspaper are also elected members of the Board.
In her victory speech, Ms. Keita said the following:
Dear members of the Gambia Press Union,
Today, I stand before you not just as a candidate for the presidency of our beloved GPU but as a committed advocate for the rights, safety, and welfare of every journalist in The Gambia.
Over the years, serving as Vice President of the GPU has provided me with invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities we face as a union.
As we prepare for a new chapter, I present my vision for a stronger, more impactful, and proactive GPU. My manifesto focuses on five key priorities that address the immediate and long-term needs of our union:
1. Promoting and protecting media freedom,
2. ensuring the safety and security of journalists,
3. advancing media sustainability and viability,
4. enhancing professionalism in journalism, and
5. safeguarding the welfare of journalists.
Promoting and Protecting Media Freedom
Media freedom is a cornerstone of democracy and a prerequisite for holding power to account. However, in The Gambia, media freedom remains fragile, facing threats from censorship, intimidation, and outdated laws.
My tangible commitments:
1.1 Strengthen legal protection for journalists: I will advocate for reforms to the existing media laws, ensuring they align with democratic principles and international standards. This includes reviewing defamation laws, licensing regulations, and other legal barriers to free expression.
1.2 Rapid response mechanisms: I will establish a Media Freedom Taskforce within the GPU to respond swiftly to any threats against press freedom, whether from state actors, private entities, or individuals. This task force will provide legal and advocacy support to affected journalists.
1.3 Partnerships for press freedom: I will strengthen our collaboration with international organizations like the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Article 19 to amplify our advocacy efforts globally.
2. Ensuring the Safety and Security of Journalists
Journalists in The Gambia are frequently exposed to physical threats, harassment, and online abuse, creating an unsafe environment for free and fair reporting.
My tangible commitments:
2.1 Comprehensive safety training: I will organize regular safety and security workshops for journalists, covering both physical safety (e.g., conflict reporting) and digital safety (e.g., combating cyber threats).
2.2 Safety fund for emergencies: I will establish a Journalist Safety Fund to provide immediate support to journalists facing emergencies, including medical assistance, legal fees, or relocation in extreme cases.
2.3 Accountability for attacks: I will push for a clear memorandum of understanding between the GPU and law enforcement agencies to ensure that attacks on journalists are thoroughly investigated and perpetrators are held accountable.
2.4 Whistleblower protection: Recognizing the risks faced by investigative journalists, I will work on policies that protect whistleblowers and the journalists who report their stories.
3. Advancing Media Sustainability and Viability
Economic instability threatens the survival of many media outlets in The Gambia, compromising their independence and capacity to serve the public interest.
My tangible commitments:
3.1 Revenue diversification training: I will spearhead training programs on innovative revenue generation strategies, including digital monetization, crowdfunding, and partnerships with international media organizations.
3.2 Access to grants and funding: I will work with donor partners to establish a Media Support Fund for struggling media houses, particularly small and community-based outlets. This fund will provide grants or low-interest loans to ensure sustainability.
3.3 Advocacy for economic support: I will engage the government to secure tax reliefs for media houses and subsidies for key operational costs like printing, electricity, and internet access.
3.4 Encouraging local investment: I will create platforms where media outlets can engage with private sector investors to build mutually beneficial partnerships while maintaining editorial independence.
4. Enhancing Media Professionalism
The credibility of journalism depends on adherence to high professional and ethical standards. Without professionalism, our mission to inform and educate the public is undermined.
My tangible commitments:
4.1 Continuous professional development: I will ensure the GPU organizes regular training and capacity-building programs on investigative journalism, data journalism, and specialized reporting areas such as health, climate change, and governance.
4.2 Mentorship programs: I will introduce a National Media Mentorship Program to connect experienced journalists with young professionals, ensuring skills transfer and nurturing the next generation of ethical journalists.
4.3 Promoting ethical reporting: I will work to strengthen the enforcement of the GPU’s Code of Ethics, ensuring it is widely adopted and adhered to by all journalists and media houses.
4.4 Academic partnerships: I will collaborate with journalism training institutions to modernize curricula and align them with current industry needs, emphasizing ethics, fact-checking, and digital literacy.
5. Safeguarding the Welfare of Journalists
Journalists cannot thrive professionally if their basic needs are unmet. Low pay, lack of job security, and poor working conditions are major issues in the industry.
Ladies and gentlemen, this commitment was developed with a deep understanding of the challenges ahead but also a strong belief in the capacity of members of the union to challenge themselves and support the implementation of the ambitions.
To facilitate and create an environment where these commitments are achievable the following will be done within 100 days of assuming office.
1. Conduct a capacity assessment of the GPU secretariat to understand the capacity needs and gaps and provide the necessary professional development.
2. Set up a fundraising commitment to support the GPU secretariat in mobilizing the necessary funds to implement the commitment highlighted above.
3. Assess the Current GPU STRATEGY PLAN to facilitate its alignment with the current realities and also that it is specific enough to measure where we are and what we want to be.
4. Facilitate payment of membership dues by journalists to support the union raise funds. I will work with employers to ensure employment benefits like payment membership dues for journalists are included in the contracts of journalists.
5. Digitalization of membership registration and payment process: we will create a tab on the website that will allow journalists to register online and pay fees through the website. This will equally apply to the annual membership fee/ dues. This will encourage journalists to pay their dues in their comfort zones.
6. MCG: GPU had made a great initiative establishing the Media Council of The Gambia. MCG faces numerous challenges, and the current Executive Secretary is appointed Commissioner at ATI Commission. I will work with the board of MCG, appoint a replacement for Emil Touray, and facilitate a collaboration between GPU and MCG to raise funds and sustain the council.
