Key Takeaways:
- Gambia Press Union Enhances Migration Reporting: The GPU organized a national forum to improve the quality and ethics of migration journalism in the country.
- Training Journalists Across Regions: Workshops were conducted in various regions, equipping journalists with skills to report on migration issues accurately and sensitively.
- Collaboration with International Partners: The initiative is part of the EU-funded INFORMA project, involving organizations like the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and COSPE Onlus.
- Focus on Ethical Journalism: The program emphasizes professional and ethical approaches to migration reporting, aiming to raise awareness about irregular migration and highlight alternative opportunities.
In a significant move to enhance the quality of migration journalism, the Gambia Press Union (GPU) recently convened a national forum with editors and journalists from across the country. This event marks a pivotal step towards fostering accurate, ethical, and nuanced reporting on migration issues that profoundly impact Gambian society.
A Nationwide Training Endeavor
The forum was the culmination of a series of training sessions held in various regions, including Basse in the Upper River Region, Farafenni in the North Bank Region, and Bwiam in the West Coast Region. These workshops brought together journalists from community radios, rural commercial stations, and regional correspondents of the state broadcaster, Gambia Radio & Television Service (GRTS). The primary objective was to equip media professionals with the necessary skills to produce trustworthy and ethically sound information about migration.
International Collaboration and Support
This initiative is part of the EU-funded INFORMA project, led by the Italian non-profit association COSPE Onlus, in collaboration with the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and other partners. The project aims to improve narratives around migration in West Africa, focusing on countries like The Gambia, Senegal, and Niger. By promoting quality journalism, the project seeks to address the challenges posed by irregular migration and to spotlight viable alternatives available both within and outside these countries.
Emphasizing Ethical and Professional Reporting
GPU Secretary General Modou Joof highlighted the importance of the initiative, stating that it is designed to promote quality journalism on migration reporting with a professional and ethical approach. The sessions aimed to raise awareness and trigger reflection on the effects of irregular migration, encouraging journalists to move beyond event-based reporting and to abandon stereotypes and sensationalism. By focusing on in-depth and human-centered stories, the initiative aspires to influence public opinion and policies positively.
The Role of Media in Shaping Migration Narratives
In my opinion, the media plays a crucial role in shaping public perceptions of migration. Accurate and ethical reporting can inform citizens, influence policy decisions, and provide migrants with essential information. Initiatives like the GPU’s national forum are vital in ensuring that journalists are well-equipped to handle the complexities of migration reporting, thereby contributing to a more informed and empathetic society.
#
Source
