Published by participants in the Certificate in Journalism programof the African Virtual University-Indiana University of Pennsylvania Partnership. |
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| Africa Star |
The Editor-In-Chief of The Independent , Abdoulie Sey, said he has refused to register his newspaper with the Media Commission because it is a threat to the freedom of the press. Addressing media trainees in the IUP-AVU Certificate in Journalism program, Sey said the Media Commission was being challenged in court because its provisions were unconstitutional. Sey said: “The [Media Commission ] Act in its current form renders Gambian journalism an endangered spices. If journalists are forced to reveal their sources of information when summoned in front of the members of the commission, public confidence in journalists will be seriously undermined. “The fact that sources have to be revealed goes against the grain of good journalism.” He said since the Media Commission Act is being challenged in court. “We thought it is a contradiction in terms to turn round full circle and register because this would mean recognizing [the Act].” Responding to questions, Sey said The Independent newspaper is an independent medium that it is committed to serving the Gambian nation and not the government in its task of publishing truthful, accurate and objective information without fear or favour. He said the bi-weekly paper should not be seen as anti-government. But stressed that the paper will deliberately guard its editorial independence in the interest of the public even if it means occasionally criticizing the governmengt. He said the public interest was larger than any other interests “We are aware that the Establishment is very resentful of our editorial line, but we are not going to be apologetic for this,” Sey added. He said his paper had made an open declaration in the summer of 1999 when it began publishing under the banner “Truth is our principle,” and that it was important for the paper’s reputation not to be seen as deviating from this position irrespective of what the government may think. Sey said his paper stood for truth, accuracy and objectivity. However he said the subjective nature of human beings made it difficult for journalists to report objectively all the time. As a result, some stories were likely to reflect stereotypes and biases. He said journalists must try all time to minimize subjectivity in their stories. Sey said journalists must always report the truth. This means reporting what really is happening. But sometimes individuals and institutions try to control the flow of information. He reminded journalists that the public rely on them to publish without fear or favour. The task of the journalist is to use all sources available with open but critical mind to find the truth and give the readers the full facts so that they can come to their own informed conclusions. “If you do not have an honest background as a reliable, truthful, honest and objective person, this could be very difficult,” he said.. Sey said journalist must be accurate in what they write about. “To be accurate, you must be thorough and… get the facts right. Never go on a vague memory of what someone said to you no matter how good your memory, do not trust it,” he said. He advised journalists to use a tape recorders to gather information. A journalist should be a good listener and should always seek for clarifications where necessary. On objectivity and fairness, Sey said personal views should not reflected in news writing. Stories should be balanced by carrying opposing views and giving relevant people the opportunity to respond to allegations against them. “Objectivity is at the heart of journalism.” He said, adding journalists must not include personal opinions or biases in a story. |
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The
African Star