By Prince J Musa in Kenema
Commissioner of the Independent Media Commission (IMC) Mustapha Sesay has sternly warned journalists against inciting reportage during the electioneering process that has the tendency to cause mayhem.
Speaking on the 20th June 2023 at a training for journalists on electioneering reporting, Sesay ‘said ‘’IMC will not compromise with any media practitioner or institution that will cause insecurity during and after the elections’’.
He called on the participants not to promote inciting, racial, ethnic, hatred, and biased messages, or promote or cause mayhem that will lead to public disorder or chaos in the country. Sesay advised that all journalists should cover the election within the remit of the IMC Act and Code in order to ensure that there is peace.
The commissioner stated that media houses should provide comprehensive, accurate, balanced, and fair coverage to all political parties. He added that the media should promote democracy, ensure peace, provide adequate and equal media coverage to all political parties, and report on the activities of political parties objectively.
He said the institution has the power to fine journalists or media houses for violating the IMC regulations .
Mohamed Konneh the Financial Secretary of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) said the media has a critical role to play in ensuring peaceful elections in the country, noting that it is the most trusted source of information.
He said the training is to guide journalists regarding their attitude and behavior whilst covering the election and in accordance with the IMC code of practice on elections coverage and reporting, all hinging on professionalism.
One of the facilitators Paul Kamara Esq. said ‘’Ignorance of the law is not an excuse, therefore media practitioners should be professional in doing their jobs’’
The Lawyers explained that the role of the media is to serve as watchdogs by raising issues relating to public interest and holding the government accountable regarding things that are affecting the masses, stating that they should not make judgments.
He added that they should be professional in responding to critical issues without being partial, adding that the media is expected to provide accurate, balanced, and credible information.
Kamara highlighted some of the guiding principles of democracy- freedom of expression, equality in access to information and communication, professionalism, and responsibility among others.
The training was organized by SLAJ to capacitate media practitioners.
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