MCG Trains Journalists On Election Reporting

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By Sheriff Saidykhan


The Media Council of The Gambia (MCG) in partnership with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has on Friday 12, May 2023 trained 20 Journalists from various media houses  on election reporting. 


The two day capacity building training is geared towards equipping Journalists on ethical reporting ahead of the Mayoral and Chairperson election. 


Speaking at the event held at TANGO, the Vice President of the Gambia Press Union Isatou Keita underscored the significance of ethical reporting during elections. 


 “The media plays a crucial role in informing citizens and holding those in power accountable. As we approach the upcoming elections, it is important that journalists are able to report on the electoral process in a professional and ethical manner,” she remarked.


 Baboucarr Cham, the Chairperson of the media council said Journalists need to inform and educate the young people about the dangers of “cyberbullying” and "hate speech" during election. 


“Cyberbullying" and "hate speech on the internet" can be included in the conversations. The aim is to introduce young people to a culture of communication that focuses on empathy rather than contempt and exposure,” he said. 


He further highlighted the significance of the digital media, whilst urging journalists to use their critical lenses to distinguish fake news and conspiracy theories. 


“Contributions in digital networks are never value-free. Ìt is therefore important to consciously reflect critically on media content in order to see through the mechanisms of manipulation and not believe all published contents. Forming opinions on the internet  requires the ability to distinguish fake news lies, conspiracy theories, from facts and realities,” he concluded

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