By: Fatou Krubally
The Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, has underlined the need for credibility and capacity-building in the country’s media landscape to combat misinformation and disinformation.
In the first edition of the government’s interface with the media which, according to the Ministry of Information, waspart of their mandate to uphold transparency and engagement with the media, Dr. Ceesay underscored the critical role of journalists in providing accurate and timely information to the public, stating that credibility and capacity-building are essential in ensuring that the media landscape remains reflective of the society’s values and upholds the highest standards of journalism.
He emphasized that fact-checking and professionalism in journalism are crucial to maintain the integrity of information dissemination.
Furthermore, Dr. Ceesay discussed government initiatives, including the proposed Information, Media, and Broadcasting Bill, aimed at streamlining communication efforts across different sectors. He highlighted the need for practical training opportunities for young journalists to equip them with the necessary skills to navigate the evolving media landscape effectively. The Minister stressed the importance of enhancing media literacy and human agency in information dissemination, recognizing the pivotal role they play in the digital age.
In a bid to address the challenges posed by the rapidly evolving media landscape, Dr. Ceesay emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and innovation in serving both the government and the people. He reiterated the significance of maintaining high ethical standards and professionalism within the media sector to ensure the public receives accurate and reliable information.
As the Minister concluded his address, he reiterated the government’s dedication to working collaboratively with media partners and stakeholders to enhance the media landscape, build credibility, and empower journalists to uphold the values of responsible journalism.
