By Alpha Abu
Deputy Minister of Information and Civic Education, Yusuf Keketoma Sandi has recognised the positive contribution of Sierra Leone’s Media in the country’s democratic trajectory.
He made the statement during a training of Managers and Editors on Media Governance, Management, Digitalisation and Ethics, organised by the Independent Media Commission (IMC) in Freetown, Thursday 14th September.
He said the media can also be used as an effective instrument to achieve developmental objectives.
Sandi spoke about the technological evolution that has taken place in the media landscape which despite the favourable advancement and benefits, has pitfalls such as the distribution of harmful contents.
He said the platform for free speech can be hijacked and hoped the training will cover media guidelines, the constitutional provisions for a free media that will all help the participants to better manage their media houses.
He went on to reaffirm the government’s commitment to work with the media management institutions such as the IMC and the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) to strengthen the media in the country.
IMC Chairman Dr. Victor Massaquoi spoke about the shortcomings of particularly community radio stations, citing non-functional Boards and lack of training of staff. He said the training being provided will build the ability of those community radio managers to perform well.
Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone Wang Qing in his statement described the media as an important power in promoting democracy.
“In recent years, with the joint efforts of the Sierra Leonean government and people, especially the media organizations and practitioners, great achievements have been made in the information sector in Sierra Leone. The number of registered media institutions in Sierra Leone continues to rise, reaching 531 by the end of 2022. I congratulate you all on these big achievements”, Ambassador Wang said.
He spoke about the contributions made by Journalists in Sierra Leone in promoting the China- Sierra Leone relationship saying “It has effectively enhanced the understanding and friendship between the people of China and Sierra Leone’’.
Deputising for the president of SLAJ, the institution’s Financial Secretary Mohamed Konneh said such training is essential for the growth of the various media houses. He reasserted SLAJ’s commitment to the guiding principles of the profession.
He underscored the need for Journalists to behave responsibly should they want to hold duty- bearers accountable.
Vice President of Women in the Media Sierra Leone WIMSAL Mabinty Magdalene Kamara in her brief statement on behalf of their president, noted that the topics selected for the training are very important for the growth of the media in the country. She said for some, it will be a refresher experience and would be added value to the work of all the participants. She noted gender equality that continues to exist at management level in the media which she said was manifested at the training which had a few women as participants.
Media Experts led the training on various topics. Fourah Bay College (FBC) Lecturer Dr. Isaac Massaquoi facilitated “Digitalizing Electronic and Print Media”, whilst another lecturer from the same institution Dr. Francis Sowa spoke on “Community Media Governance”.
IMC Commissioner and also FBC Lecturer James Tamba Lebbie was facilitator on the topic “Ethical considerations in Media Management/ Governance”. “Community Management Techniques” was facilitated by WIMSAL Vice President, media trainer and Editor of Politico Newspaper Mabinty Magdalene Kamara.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (15/09/23)
