Sections
DONATE
SUPPORT WWW.JOLLOFNEWS.COM
Account Login
Gambian Journalists Discuss Fate of Online Papers
Tuesday, 27 September 2011 22:37
(JollofNews) - An important debate has started among the country's media practitioners about the necessity
of registering Gambian online newspapers with the Attorney General Chambers. This was triggered by Foroyaa's Ousman Sillah following a presentation made on September 22, 2011 centered on the “Role of Online Journalist in Election Reporting and Coverage” during the just concluded ICFJ-GPU-FLARE workshop. In fact, this considerable debate has first rocked Gambia's media landscape during the last general meeting held on September 17, 2011 when the GPU President Emil Touray outlined the need for online newspapers to get registered. He was then responding to an observation made by JollofNews' Abdoulie John on the incontestable fact that the cyberspace constitutes a space of freedom and liberty, and the Gambia government cannot claim any ownership over it. While the debate is going on, it deems necessary to sound the opinion of Gambian journalists on the issue. Below are excerpts of comments that journalists made on this heated debate:Dawda Bayo; Secretary General of The Gambia Professional Photographers Society
I am calling on Gambian journalists, who are interested to become online reporters to form an organization and register with AG Chambers. This new form of journalism is already popular in the Western world and those engaging into it should exercise real professionalism. To be an online journalist you should be ready to abide by the rules: all reporters should indicate their byline; objectivity and independence should be part of the standards of reporting...
Sainey Darboe; The Standard Newspaper
I am very much of the opinion that online newspapers should register with AG Chambers because this will provide online journalists the opportunity to legitimately write on the ground. I believe the online newspapers need to be registered formally by the State by virtue of the fact that they contribute immensely to national development through the promotion of transparency and accountability.
Registering with AG Chambers will open up legal avenues for the online newspapers to take legal action for blocking them. In fact, the online media is an inevitable part of our media landscape.
Baboucarr Ceesay; GPU First VP, The Standard newspaper
Online journalism is one of the most misunderstood issues in The Gambia. Online journalists are seen as clandestine fellows who hide behind shadows to smear the image of the government. This misconception is compelling many to subscribe to the suggestion that online newspapers should register. The beauty of online publication is that even the most ruthless tyrant cannot control or stop online papers. There is no monopoly over the cyberspace. So calling for the registration of online newspapers at the Attorney General's Chambers is a call for government authorities to have all the chance to stifle freedom of expression of online journalists.
When the Bond for establishing a newspaper was increased from D100, 000 to D500.000, it has barred many experienced Gambian journalists from establishing media houses, because they don't have any property worth such huge amount of money.
We should bear in mind that the world has reached a digital age. People have to be in control of things that influence their lives, but not to be left in the have a chosen few. If online newspapers register with the AG Chambers, Gambian journalists will not enjoy the beauty of new technologies and will only contribute to the establishment of a technophobic society.
Biram S. Jobe; Taranga FM
I really believe that there is an urgent need for online newspapers to get registered with A.G Chambers. This is the only way they can participate actively in the country's development process.
Alieu Darboe; The Daily News
Well, for me the idea of Gambian online newspapers to register with the AG Chambers is not important because they are not in the country. If they were in the country they will certainly get registered. What needs to be addressed is how we can work to see the government, private media institutions collaborate and promote peace, stability, as part of our development agenda.
We must bear in mind that those operating online newspapers are Gambians and have a right to exercise their citizenry right provided they do it with principles and in accordance with the ethics of professionalism. As a journalist and also a young politician, I am with the view that freedom of speech, democracy and human rights should be collectively defended by all irrespective of our political affiliations. In light of this, I am urging the government of the Gambia to allow a free flow of information in order for reporters to do their work freely without any form of fear. The Government-Media relations need to be cordial as we are partners in development.
Binta Bah; The Daily News
Yes. This is because situations in journalism raise both legal and ethical questions and registering online newspapers will go a long way to enhance high responsibility of journalists.
One emerging problem with online journalism in the Gambia is that, individuals who publish only on the Web do not put their by-lines arousing hatred to media by the state.
Protection of anonymous writers enjoyed some privileges but do lot of harm to other writers.
Advertising would be the best revenue model that will support the production of online newspapers if they register with the AG Chambers.But despite the uncertainty; online journalists are cautiously optimistic, reporting expanding newsrooms.
Sainey Marenah; The Point newspaper
I think the debate of online media organizations getting registered with AG Chambers is irrelevant. In a context of major technological progress, online journalists have the right to inform, educate the masses on daily basis. I believe the debate is arising because of misconception over online newspapers. Nobody owns the cyberspace. That is to say there can be no control, but the sector needs to be well regulated. People must understand that the future lies on online newspapers.
Written by JollofNews
Jollofnews Poll
Who do you think should be the next President of The Gambia?
Follow us on Twitter
-
Doctor Who star runs with torchDoctor Who star Matt Smith, former Wales rugby captain Matthew Rees and world hurdles champion...
-
Lesotho holds tense electionMASERU (Reuters) - Voters in the highland African kingdom of Lesotho went to the polls...
-
Bristol Rovers Speed Merchant Could Be Racing To Posh(GamSports) – Peterborough United are thought to be one of a number of Championship sides...
Comments
All this is spearheaded by PDOIS. They are showing their true nature. Halifa Sallah and Sam Sarr, they are behind this project of controlling the Internet. This just shows how intolerant they are...
Duh! Cell phones I can understand they are within Gambia's jurisdiction.
by the way just cause someone does something does not make it right. You Jammeh supporters are as backwards as him. Go get an education.
My brother Lalo Kebba, ADAM JONGA, said hi! he is my good friend and you're my very good brother.
Comment:
May His Soul rest in peace....Ameen !
Is He alive ? well i thought that he has passaway long agao because he is no more online here, from the time he has shown his Pig Head and I cut it off I never see him again.
But If he is still living as Middle-eastern people call it: HAYYUN YUR-ZAQ !
Then my Big Hello to him there!
And tell him that, Jally Lalo is always here for SeneGamBissau !
In Her Service I remain
I can't even believe that the GPU is advocating this. Absolute rubbish!
In the service of the truth I remain
RSS feed for comments to this post.