Gambia-L: Since part 1 of my posting, following the Independent newspaper's unfair attack on my very self and Cherno Baba Jallow, I have been overwhelmed with messages (many in private) of support and encouragement. So to all those who have spoken out for us, be it on the L or in private, I say a big thank you. Well, since many of you have written to me in private and suggested that there is no need for me to send part 2, because we have to move on with the REAL struggle, I have decided to do a very short and a more general commentary on the Press and its role. So, Gambia-L readers, here is Part 2 of my posting as promised. But my comments, I have to admit, are watered-down or diluted, after people I have utmost respect for suggested (to me in private) that I should just leave it at Part 1 and move on: The age-old role of the Press (and of any other media service for that matter) is essentially fourfold: to educate, to inform, to entertain, and to persuade. However, I would add two more functions separately - that is to investigate and to act as a watchdog - and say instead that the functions of the Press are essentially six-fold. Not for nothing is the press known universally as "The Fourth Estate". In fact, it is in its role as a social watchdog that the press offers one of its most essential services to society. It is the commentator of life as it unfolds, and the interpreter of events. It is, therefore, no understatement to stress that the role of those people working for the Press is paramount: they are the first-line guardians of these six functions; and in order to perform these functions as effectively and as efficiently as possible so as to have the respect and trust of its readers, the press must always make sure that the information it transmits to its readers is accurate, fair, objective and balanced. It is not an easy job, and at times it is definitely not a comfortable one. But journalists have a duty and responsibility, in their role as social watchdogs, to remain in the vanguard of truth, justice and freedom and to report whatever is in the public interest regardless of the peril. Journalists put themselves on the line in their role as monitors, warning their readers or listeners of danger whether economic, political, business, military or social. It must be stressed that those in the media have a duty not only to inform people of what is happening, but also expect to have their writing and opinions called into question by their readers. The press/media must provide a forum on which its readers/listeners can discuss issues that concern and affect them (the public). In a genuine democracy, freedom of expression, freedom of speech and the rights of critical reply are sacrosanct. Therefore, newspaper editors must expect their readers to take issue with them from time to time. Criticisms coming from your readers - whether harsh or soft - are healthy because they make those in the Press do their job next time better. A press, which is tolerant and open to critical views from its readers, is essential in any real democracy. It offers empowerment to the ordinary "man or woman in the street" to make a point, or to challenge a view. The right of reply of citizens is a treasure beyond price. Although journalists may find it uncomfortable to be criticised, or brought up on a point, or challenged for accuracy, the fundamental right of their audience to do these things cannot be brought into question. Journalists should work in good faith to give honest and balanced reportage and good all-round news coverage. And, in their editorials, Journalists are free to express an opinion, which has its roots in fact, but they must also expect to receive feedback on their work; and this may be critical or approving in nature. Editorials are the vehicles through which editors may encapsulate a point of view, or make rounded comments on particular issues. The people who undertake to write editorials assume a huge responsibility: they need to offer opinion that is substantive in nature. However, at the end of the day, the readership has the right to agree or to disagree with the writer's standpoint and the press has feedback mechanisms in place in the form of its letter pages. I chose to disagree with what the Independent editorial writer of 12-13th July wrote: I exercised my rights as a reader to disagree, and I put together a comprehensive piece, which itemised my points of disagreement. It was sad therefore to receive such a highly critical response from the Independent team on July 17th for utilising my rights of reply, and my freedom to express my own opinions. When the Daily Observer lost much of its independence following its sale in 1999, we all lamented this: we were deeply suspicious of the intentions of the new owner and editorial team, and we questioned how far the government was intervening in its reportage and comment. The forming of The Independent Newspaper by Brothers Baba Galleh Jallow and Alhaji Yorro Jallow was greeted by most concerned citizens with relief: we were optimistic that a truly independent voice had returned to The Gambia which would report the truth with impartiality, accuracy and dedication. Until now, the Independent Team overall have not let its readership down: we have admired its stance against the excesses of the Jammeh regime, and the dogged way in which the staff have tried to give voice to the feelings and opinions of ordinary, concerned Gambians. Now we are perplexed, because the editorial of 12th July was anything like "independent" in nature: it smacked of government "interference" or of sycophancy by the writers. It omitted much of the truth, and skewed other parts of it. We wonder why the editorial team felt the need to publish the editorial: what were its motives and what did it hope to gain? Is there something we do not know? We really cannot believe that the team were truly celebrating six years of Yahya Jammeh's ineptitude. Yes, for an independent press to exist in a tyranny is difficult: the pressures are enormous and the personal costs are high. But it is vital that journalists do their sacred duty with vigour, honesty, determination, forthrightness, and dedication; they should never allow themselves to be muzzled by anyone. They have to keep the moral high ground in their reportage, and be ready to defend the truth at all costs. It is important that the press and its journalists realise that if they try to protect their own skins and allow their country to slide into despotism, greed, injustice, corruption and chaos, then they themselves will also be victims. My concerns as a reader of the Independent are now profound in the wake of this last lambasting editorial: I had hoped that my opinions, particularly given my background in the journalistic arts, would be received with respect if not with agreement. I now call upon all concerned Gambians to write to the Independent to express their anxieties and to remind the Independent writers and editors of their responsibilities to their readership and to the best interests of their country. Let our watchwords be impartiality, discretion and honesty. Let our dream be of a free, fair and democratic Gambia, served by a media of the very highest quality. Ebrima Ceesay, Birmingham, UK. PS: For those of you who asked me in private, well, be told that the well-respected Gambian Journalist, D.A Jawo, IS NOT a member of the editorial of the Independent Newspaper. He writes for them but on a freelance basis as far as I know. ________________________________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html ----------------------------------------------------------------------------