QUESTION OF THE DAY
The press release from the Gambia Press Union on statements attributed to the UDP leader directed at the Star FM journalist Mr Pa Nderry Touray compelled Foroyaa to seek further clarification from the UDP leadership.
Foroyaa appreciates the prompt reply from Mr Almamy Taal, the UDP administrative secretary. The objective of Foroyaa however is to promote the environment that will enable public figures to co-exist with journalists in a civil engagement that serves the public interest. This is why we have not published any statement from the parties concerned.
After our enquiry we are of the view that journalists and public figures must now make our institutions work to prevent the use of any language that promotes hostility or alienation.
PURA is to monitor broadcasting. There is no need for any authority to take matters into their own hands which may enrage their large following to take the law into their own hands, either in word or deed. Any observation made that one deems to be against the code of conduct of broadcaster should be conveyed to PURA for investigation and action.
On the other hand, if political leaders express themselves in a way that is against the code of conduct of the IPC the matter should be conveyed to the IPC for action. Should the statements be delivered via a broadcaster the matter should be taken up with PURA for action.
In order to promote civility in public relations in all domains in broadcasting and media work in general PURA should be engaged with greater intensity so that those who flout the code of conduct would be named and shamed to protect the public from behaviour alien to an open society and the exercise of freedom of the media and speech.
