by Alagi Yorro Jallow.
Fatoumatta: Professionalism is becoming increasingly rare in contemporary journalism and media, particularly in the era of liberalized, open-entry journalism. Instead of adhering to facts, many resort to conjecture, prejudice, personal biases, partisanship, and spiritual or religious beliefs, often lacking humility and intellectual honesty. They make authoritative statements and distort facts under the guise of freedom of speech and expression. Be cautious about what you read and what you allow to influence your mind and intellect. Some toxins are more lethal than others.
Performance isn’t everything. It requires a vision and an understanding of the bigger picture of one’s actions. This involves expertise, theoretical knowledge, and leadership, which stem from education, not just schooling. Yet, there is a disdain for training, refinement, and expertise among Gambians. They view education as a means to obtain certificates, rather than to achieve excellence. The turmoil within our local journalism and abroad serves as evidence. The fact that non-journalists are often found performing journalistic tasks indicates a dire need for proper training. When a goat is masquerading as a journalist, it’s clear there’s a significant issue in Gambia.
Today’s journalism has expanded and also faced challenges due to technology, as every technological advancement brings its own set of advantages and drawbacks. Journalism is a profession grounded in the bedrock of facts—accurate facts that are properly articulated, verified, and validated. It is these accurate facts that inform sound decisions by those in power. Despite the claims of some, there are no ‘alternative facts.’ Facts stand alone. ‘Alternative facts’ are nothing more than misinformation or disinformation.
Fatoumatta: Today, many untrained individuals claim the title of citizen journalists. They remain confined to a single room, typing away at a computer, broadcasting messages they label as ‘breaking news’—yet upon closer scrutiny, there is nothing breaking. Journalism is not a solitary endeavor. It is not based on wild speculation, rumor spreading, or the telling of dubious tales. Rather, it is akin to a symphony of trained professionals, each verifying and corroborating facts before presenting them to the world as news. It is a vocation governed by professional standards and ethical codes, with truth-telling as its core principle. The tendency to spread falsehoods on social media has prompted legislators to occasionally try to impose additional legislative restrictions on media practices. However, the media do not require further constraints. What they need is education, continuous training, and sustained support. This approach can invigorate our democracy and nation, allowing both to flourish.
Ideal journalists are a unique kind. They view the world as a canvas to shape according to what they deem fit and proper. They are simultaneously vulnerable and invincible. They do not bow at the altars of deities that oppress the defenseless. They stand as the protectors of what is deemed the public good. A seasoned journalist once boldly claimed that journalism is the greatest profession in the world. Yet, journalists have few friends. They are no fools; they are aware. They recognize that the welcoming smiles they encounter in the course of their duties are often insincere. They understand that their profession can both open and close doors for them. They are conscious that society only tolerates them, often wishing they would disappear into the obscurity of night.
Fatoumatta: I hold the view that journalism, including reporting, should be ideologically informed and aligned with a country’s interests. This ensures that both media and citizens can transmit and interpret information in a way that serves their collective interests. It is imperative for our journalism schools and training centers to introduce a pan-African studies minor, which includes courses on social sciences such as Anthropology, History, Sociology, and specifically, “Writing and Reporting on Africa.”
Fatoumatta: Who are the individuals teaching journalism? Is possessing a master’s degree the sole criterion for leadership? A master’s degree may be appropriate for novices, but journalism is a craft that benefits from a mix of academic scholars and experienced media professionals. Media schools would do well to encourage students to pursue additional professions alongside journalism, thereby becoming experts in their respective fields. An Information Technology professional with advanced qualifications could be more adept at managing online news writing and publication. Moreover, journalism has traditionally been both an art and a craft, emphasizing performance over mere claims of ability.
