Fatoumatta: The new NPP ruling government’s propagandists have been likened to Joseph Goebbels in the media. In October 1926, Hitler appointed Joseph Goebbels as the Gauleiter for Berlin, recognizing his loyalty. It was here that Goebbels honed his skills in propaganda. He also gave in to his inclination for violence through the actions of his subordinates. Goebbels believed that history is shaped on the streets and aimed to confront the prevailing leftist parties, the Social Democrats and Communists, in Berlin. Collaborating with stormtrooper leaders, he intentionally instigated conflicts in beer halls and on the streets, often involving guns. He warned his erstwhile leftist allies, “Beware, your dogs,” declaring that once the Devil in him was unleashed, it could not be restrained. He then used the resulting fatalities to their fullest propagandistic advantage.
On March 13th, 1933, Goebbels had his reward for his part in bringing the Nazis to power by being appointed Reich Minister of Public Enlightenment and Propaganda with a seat in the Cabinet. The hegemonic ambitions of the Propaganda Ministry were shown by the divisions Goebbels soon established: Press, radio, film, theatre, music, literature, and publishing. Soon, the content of every newspaper, book, novel, play, movie, broadcast, and concert, from the level of nationally known publishers and orchestras to local newspapers and village choirs, was subject to supervision by the Propaganda Ministry. However, self-censorship soon began to operate in all these fields. Who is the Piper playing the tunes of most news and electronic media in the digital media and, by inference, in Gambia via social media and online publications? Why do we have most of them compromised? Silent on national government development and achievements but blow out of proportion the failures. Just last week, only the Guardian newspaper dared to apologize for too much propaganda. Few daily news media outlets can be trusted with truthful news; most are economical with the Truth. Yet all know the Golden dictum that Truth will always meet up with lies and destroy lies. Lies have become the national anthem in the Gambia’s political space. Truth is auto-flowing, so beware, liars.
On March 13, 1933, Goebbels was rewarded for his role in the Nazi rise to power by being appointed Reich Minister of Public Enlightenment and Propaganda, gaining a cabinet seat. The Propaganda Ministry’s hegemonic goals were evident in the divisions Goebbels established: press, radio, film, theater, music, literature, and publishing. The content of every newspaper, book, novel, play, movie, broadcast, and concert, from nationally recognized publishers and orchestras to local newspapers and village choirs, fell under the ministry’s supervision. Self-censorship soon became prevalent in these areas. In the digital era, and by extension in Gambia through social media and online publications, questions arise about who influences the news and electronic media. Many seem compromised, remaining silent on national government development and achievements while magnifying failures. Recently, only the Guardian newspaper acknowledged its excessive use of propaganda. Trust in daily news media outlets for truthful reporting is low; many are sparing with the truth. However, it is widely acknowledged that truth will eventually prevail over falsehoods. In Gambia’s political landscape, where lies have become prevalent, the truth is self-evident, serving as a warning to those who deceive.
The mainstream media’s lack of emphasis on educating and highlighting the historical significance of the OIC Banjul Summit, the 15th edition of the Islamic Summit of Heads of State and Governments of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), raises questions. This event is a testament to the unity and solidarity among OIC member countries and beyond. Despite this, the mainstream media is not adequately informing people about the Banjul, The Gambia summit, scheduled for May 4th to 5th, 2024. The summit represents a collective effort to address the pressing challenges faced by the Ummah (the global Muslim community) and to pursue shared goals outlined in the OIC charter. It also offers The Gambia a unique opportunity to expand its domestic economy and revitalize small and medium enterprises. Hosting such a prestigious event can attract investments, promote trade, and significantly enhance economic growth, presenting a promising outlook for potential investors. Cultural exchange is another significant aspect of the OIC Banjul Summit.
The mainstream media’s lack of emphasis on the OIC’s achievements in The Gambia raises questions. The OIC in The Gambia is seen as a prime opportunity to share its dynamic cultural heritage. The summit’s hosting will act as an international platform to display Gambian and African culture, enhancing global understanding and appreciation, and igniting interest in the Muslim world’s rich diversity. Advocacy and awareness are another vital aspect of the summit, falling under the mainstream media’s purview. The Gambia’s leadership of the OIC offers a significant platform to bolster advocacy for the Ummah’s unity. This encompasses promoting dialogue, tackling shared challenges, and nurturing mutual respect among member states. It also highlights the voices and issues Muslims face, especially in the global south. In essence, the OIC Banjul Summit is a venue for diplomatic interaction, economic development, cultural exchange, and advocacy within the global Muslim community, marking an event of national significance that goes beyond religious and ethnic divisions, uniting all Gambians in its importance.
The mainstream media bears partial responsibility for the current events in Gambia, not so much for the stories they report, but for those they neglect. It’s perplexing why Gambian media hasn’t considered it crucial to inform citizens about the recommendations from The 2019 Media Reforms led by Ndey Tapha Sosseh, especially given its role as the Fourth Estate in a democracy. This omission, in my view, is a serious failing of the Gambian media. I believe the media should use news stories, features, opinions, editorials, and panel discussions to educate and raise awareness among Gambians about the TRRC recommendations. Had the media undertaken this task, Gambians might be better informed about the TRRC’s advice and what it didn’t suggest, reducing reliance on partisan political commentators. Such media coverage could have enabled Gambians to form their own opinions on the TRRC recommendations, respond to President Barrow’s non-verbal cues regarding the implementation of the report, and understand what to demand from the government concerning Restructuring and the National Question.
National political pundits and social media bloggers differ from journalists. They excel in hyperbole, division, and catchy sound bites. In the current political climate, they have exchanged analysis for opinion, research for repetition, and journalism for propaganda.
It must be understood that the role of journalists is not to echo propaganda, which aids propagandists and integrates them into the machinery of propaganda. Instead, their duty is to ensure, as far as possible, that media platforms provide FACTS to the public. Once equipped with facts, it is the public’s responsibility to form their own opinions. A true journalist serves as a gatekeeper, acting in the public interest. (A.Y Jallow, 2013).
In New Gambia, journalists are needed to expose incompetence and misconduct that transcends partisanship—unless one believes a party is so flawed and corrupt it cannot withstand public examination. The concept of objective truth-finding is only threatening if one doubts that their preferred ideas can endure rigorous scrutiny. Context and analysis become adversaries only if one relies on an uninformed audience for their claims.
It is astonishing that some fail to recognize the crucial role of a free and viable media in maintaining freedom within a country. Recently, some have attacked journalists, labeling them as societal enemies and endorsing the term “fake news” as credible. It begs the question: Are the people of The Gambia and its diaspora truly susceptible to the notion that private media and journalists are their foremost adversaries, and by extension, those of President Barrow’s government? Such a belief is a precursor to dictatorship.
On a brighter note, there are media professionals—accomplished, intelligent individuals committed to reporting “real news,” whether positive or negative—who will not yield.
