During an interview with Peter Gomez, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, the Minister of Information and Media Broadcasting Services, emphasised the government’s necessity to establish order and accountability in the operations of media in The Gambia.
Dr. Ceesay highlighted that the president had been discussing worries regarding specific online media outlets, which he feels primarily aim to damage the country’s reputation by reporting solely negative news. He highlighted that the president’s message was not meant to create division within the nation or to criticise the media, but instead aimed to promote a more balanced approach.
“You can’t convince me that everything is bleak in this country; there are certainly some positive aspects.” While challenges exist, there are also notable achievements that we believe the media should highlight to promote the country. The president aimed to emphasise that point, not to create division within the country or to criticise the media,” he stated.
Dr. Ceesay further asserted that the president has no such intentions, emphasising that this government is the most accountable and transparent since independence, a fact that is indisputable.
He emphasised that the president is committed to creating a lasting legacy, rather than diminishing it. Ismaila emphasises that the president’s message highlights the essential duty of the media.
He stated that this is the reason the government is dedicated to transparency, consistently introducing initiatives to ensure the public is well-informed about its actions.
“However, ensure that your reporting is balanced and just.” That is everything he is requesting. Ensure your reporting is balanced; when issues arise, it’s important to cover them, but equally, highlight our positive achievements. However, there are certain media outlets that, upon examining their reporting patterns, consistently focus on negative news. Even when positive events occur, they tend to overlook them, disregarding any submissions that highlight the good. They will simply set it aside. “However, if the information is negative, even if it is untrue, they will simply take it from the gutters and report it,” he stated.
He additionally noted that certain media outlets provoke enquiries regarding their genuine independence or if they merely serve as extensions of political parties.
He also highlighted that their subsequent action would involve exploring methods to regulate online media.
“If you are engaged in the business of delivering news to the public, regulation is essential.” An anarchic system in the media is unacceptable. There should be methods to ensure that it is regulated in a manner similar to how it competes with radio stations, television, and print media. “As a government, we must restore order to the operations of the media in this country,” he stated.
He highlighted the importance of establishing standards in online media, noting that it is all too simple for anyone to launch a platform and disseminate unverified or misleading information. He emphasised that this approach is unacceptable in any part of the world.
He advocated for a certain level of regulation, emphasising that although they do not intend to censor anyone, it is crucial for online media to maintain professionalism in their reporting.
He went on to say that it is no longer permissible for individuals to merely establish an online media outlet from their bedroom and utilise it for political purposes.
