National Journalism Award date slated, amidst Covid-19

In line with its mandate to try to improve the professional standards of the media in The Gambia, the Gambia Press Union with partners, has decided to stage yet another National Journalism Award despite the many challenges it is confronted with, including the impact of Covid-19. This was made public in a press briefing held last weekend.

The Gambia Press Union staged its first National Journalism Awards in 2016, as part of its flagship events to mark the annual commemoration of the World Press Freedom Day. The Award is an initiative to reward and inspire media excellence in the country as well as honour journalists and media practitioners whose works stand out. By awarding outstanding works in various categories of the print and electronic media, it also aims to motivate and commit journalists to strive for excellence in their various domains.

During the press briefing at Girl Guides in Kanifing, Mr Demba A Ali Jawo, Chairman of the National Journalism Awards said this year’s event has delayed, beyond the World Press Freedom, which is celebrated on the 3rd May each year, due to some logistical and other problems. He however reminded that this would not be the first time the ceremony would be held on a different date from World Freedom Day, as last year’s was held in July 12. “And for this year also, owing to COVID-19 pandemic and other logistical problems, there are plans to hold the event in October".

The Chairman explained that the Award is open to all media outlets and platforms, including all journalists and media practitioners working in The Gambia, and that only works produced from 2019 on Gambian registered media outlets are eligible for entry. He announced that special award will be set aside for reporting on Covid-19. This he indicated, is to recognise the risk that Gambian journalists take by being in the frontline to cover the pandemic.

"Opinion articles, advertorials, works produced under contract for commercial promotion and newsletter issues or articles are not eligible. Last year, more than 20 award categories were available, but due to financial constraints, this year we have decided to reduce them to 13 regular awards and two special awards. The special awards are reserved for the GPU while the regular awards are open to all Gambian journalists to compete for,’’ he clarified.

"We intend to open applications for the different categories on Monday, the 6th of July 2020. We have also short-listed independent media experts with high degree of integrity who would comprise a five-member panel of judges that would receive and assess the entries and will decide on the best entries that deserve the awards, and as well consider the accuracy and relevance, grammar, style, and presentation, the impact of the story including creativity and originality of the story articles," Mr Jawo disclosed.

He assured that the judges selected are independent and would not be in anyone’s directives in doing their works. He said in the past award committee selection was done on an adhoc basis but this year it is decided to make it a semi-permanent one to last for three years. This is to give it chance to carry out some innovative work, he said.

Madam Sall Njie, Head of Branding and Communication, National Journalism Award Committee affirmed that her committee is responsible for branding, and communication with the press so as to enhance effective communication and ensure thorough brainstorming for the betterment of the Award. She assured that they will work immensely to ensure more transparency and efficient service delivery.

 

by Kumba Leigh