The Gambia Press Union and Media Council trained on media monitoring of ethical violations

The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance in partnership with the Gambia Press Union (GPU) and with support from the European Union (EU), from 4th to 5th February 2025, conducted a two-day capacity-building on media monitoring of ethical violations for GPU and Media Council. The aim was to develop a comprehensive guide on media monitoring for journalist.

Ms. Jainaba Faye, Head of the International IDEA Country Office, highlighted the critical role of the media as the "Fourth Estate," emphasizing its responsibility to inform the public, hold power to account, and foster informed debate. She noted that when media outlets prioritise sensationalism over accuracy, click over credibility, or political agendas over impartiality, they compromise the integrity of the profession.

“By actively monitoring media ethics, we contribute to a culture where truth is valued, misinformation is curtailed, and the media remains a pillar of democracy rather than its adversary,” Faye stated.

She further stressed the need for media houses to adopt self-regulation mechanisms to address ethical issues internally. Additionally, national bodies like the Gambia Press Union and the Gambia Media Council should function as independent watchdogs to uphold media ethics and compliance.

Mr. Raphael Brigandi, Deputy Head of Mission at the European Union Delegation to The Gambia, acknowledged the challenges faced by media practitioners, including the slow progress of media law reforms. He commended the pivotal role of the GPU and the Media Council in defending journalists' rights and promoting professional standards in journalism.

“The EU is committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen media capacity, promote self-regulation, enhance accountability, and empower journalists with the knowledge needed to protect their rights. Ethical journalism safeguards the credibility of the media and upholds citizens' fundamental rights to accurate and reliable information,” Brigandi affirmed.

Mr. Sheriff Saidykhan, Vice President of the Gambia Press Union, highlighted that the development of a media monitoring guide would strengthen the implementation of the Media Charter. The guide will serve as a valuable resource for both the GPU and the Media Council, providing clear guidelines for monitoring media content for ethical violations and professionalising media practices.

“Ultimately, the guide will empower the Media Council, an independent media regulator, to promote and ensure journalists uphold ethical standards, thereby enhancing public trust in the media and contributing to a more informed and peaceful society,” Saidykhan explained.

During the sessions, participants engaged in discussions on various topics, including understanding ethical compliance, monitoring mechanisms, promoting accountability and transparency, and public complaint mechanisms among others. These sessions were designed to enhance professional ethical conduct within the media landscape, ensuring that journalism in The Gambia continues to operate with integrity and professionalism.

As part of the event, International IDEA and the European Union officially handed over copies of the Assault and Battery Guide for Journalists to the Gambia Press Union, which was developed in 2024 through the CODE project. This guide aimed to help journalists and media practitioners on how to seek appropriate redress in cases of assault/ battery.