Barrow urges positive journalism
President Adama Barrow has called on journalists of the country to emulate positive journalism.
“We should learn how to bring the good work of the government. We are trying to make sure our country gets to a higher level. We therefore, need to see such reports in the media,” he said in an Eid dul-Fitr meeting with Committee of the Banjul Muslim Elders on Sunday.
The President took aim at journalists who he claims focus solely on the negative aspects of the government’s work. “We have certain journalists who don’t promote the good work the government does,” he declared, “They only publish the negative, relying on the quote that ‘good news is no news.”
He expressed concern that certain media outlets overlook positive developments and always highlight the nation’s shortcomings.
“We should desist from mal-information, any information even if it is true, if it will cause destruction we should stay away from it,” he stated.
“We agreed that we should all be truthful in our dealings, however, any truth that would incite violence for the greater good, we should stay away from that.
He noted that Gambians should collectively work together as patriotic citizens. “Let’s work for our country and not a ruling government,” he said.
“My government is committed to developing and serving the best interest of The Gambia, therefore, join us to complement our efforts in national development to take The Gambia to higher height.”
The annual Eid-ul-Fitr meeting with Banjul Muslim Elders is a practice initiated during the colonial days to bring issues of concern to the leadership. President Barrow thanked the Banjul Elders for expanding the annual event to include representatives of the Gambia Supreme Islamic Council, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at and religious groups.
Source: The Point
