By Ousman G Darboe
Community radio stations have been encouraged to give more priorities to the needs of their communities in their news coverage, as the December presidential election nears.
Speaking at a three-day training meant to equip community radio journalists from Central and Upper River Regions on proactive journalism, Meita Touray, a journalism trainer, said: “community radio journalists should do the leg walk, interview community members on issues bordering them and bring out their problems to stakeholders vis-a-vis politicians vying for public office.”
She added: “it is only through such form of journalism that those vying for leadership positions and their representatives will know and take actions.”
The training is part of a project dubbed ‘Strengthening Participatory Democracy Through Media and Civil Society Organisation’.
Fatoumatta A Jabbi, a participant from Paradise FM Basse, described the training as timely and promised to make best use of the knowledge gained during the training.
“We really appreciate the training. This is my first time to attend training on electoral reporting. I have learned a lot and I promised to make best use of the knowledge. I will do as expected,’ she said.
Saidou Camara, a journalist working with State broadcaster, Gambia Radio and Television Station, Basse Branch, said most of them [journalists] have been reporting on electoral matters and have been interviewing candidates.
“The few days we have with trainers from MAJaC will improve their electoral coverage this year. I would utilise the knowledge as it is expected to be. I want to assure you that we are not going to fail you. I will do my best so that if you come back on your monitoring visit, you will feel proud,” he said.
Malick Sanneh, another participant from GRTS Basse urged MAJaC to do more of such trainings to help journalists in understanding the laws and ethical issues during election coverage and electoral matter.
