Conspiracy Theory

It all began a few days ago with an article in the Observer on March 4th, in which one Baboucarr Trawally, President of the Gambia Professional Photographer's Association, allegedly "walked into the Daily Observer’s offices on Sunday, fuming with outrage at the performance of the GPU executive". 

"I have been in the union since its inception", Mr Trawally reportedly fumed, "but I have observed that the executive have not delivered as expected". [Strike 1]

Then, on the 11th, in an editorial title "GPU, the questions", the Daily Observer posed a few questions of the GPU executive, the thrust of their questioning being that they had registered members (Daily Ob journalists) for the GPU, but since the Congress was happening in 12 days, and the registration process seemed to be poised to take longer than that, they were worried the journalists they had registered would be unable to vote at the congress. In closing they quoted Mr Ceesay, the GPU President's answer ("We are mature and responsible people who will give enough time to applicants to become members"), and said they "ope for the sake of the GPU and its members this promise is kept and all are allowed to vote at Congress". [Strike 2]

On the 12th there was a follow-up article ("GPU accepts journalists registration"), with a victorious scan of the receipt for payment drawn for the Observer by the GPU. "This now means", the article ended, "that the 31 Daily Observer applicants have paid their annual subscription in full and should be able to pertake in the deliberations and decisions of the forth coming GPU congress... we await the GPU Executive’s confirmation of the membership of our journalists. We anticipate no problem in this and wish the GPU good luck at the Congress’s deliberations". [Strike 3]

Finally, today, a report from an independent online source, connecting the dots (and heavily quoting the Point newspaper): "Sources revealed the Gambia Radio and Television Services Thursday registered 54 of its staff and the pro-government newspaper, the Daily Observer also register e d 31 of its staff.... "Gambian government is all out to take over the Gambia Press Union and if this w orks, the President will be able to control the press and this will go a long wa y to re-establish the failed National Media Commission that was set up in 2004," sources added.... The sudden interest that most organisations and individuals in the media frater nity have shown in the fate of the GPU is suggestive of something sinister."

So which is it? Reading too much into an innocent attempt by Observer (and GRTS) to take part in normal media activities? Or, as the article above suggests, a thrilling conspiracy to take over the media by more subtle means than arresting journalists and harassing them, and burning down their presses (which practices, in the end, defeat their own purpose by giving the affected journalists even more exposure)?

As the editorial in the Observer today says, waxing philosophical: " Maybe  we cannot make most people happy. Most people would probably always be grumpy with whatever system of governance we have in place. Maybe what we should look for is a system which most people find tolerable, a system in which the rulers are not so oppressive and corrupt as to lead to rebellion and revolution... if you give the people bread and peace you can govern for as long as you wish. If people are hungry and fearful, beware a revolution". In as much as the Observer is one face of Government policy, perhaps we can take this to mean that we are leaving the era of heavy-handed governance behind ("death to all enemies! burn all the presses! support the Party or be an unpatriotic outcast!"), and entering the one where the Government becomes more cunning, not openly breaking any laws, achieving its objectives without the use of (visible) force. 

THE FOURTH ESTATE: Louis Friend Reviews

The term “fourth estate” is frequently attributed to the nineteenth century historian Thomas Carlyle, though he himself seems to have attributed it to Edmund Burke:

“Burke said there were Three Estates in Parliament; but, in the Reporters' Gallery yonder, there sat a Fourth Estate more important than they all. It is not a figure of speech, or a witty saying; it is a literal fact, .... Printing, which comes necessarily out of Writing, I say often, is equivalent to Democracy: invent Writing, Democracy is inevitable. ..... Whoever can speak, speaking now to the whole nation, becomes a power, a branch of government, with inalienable weight in law-making, in all acts of authority. It matters not what rank he has, what revenues or garnitures: the requisite thing is that he have a tongue which others will listen to; this and nothing more is requisite.” Carlyle (1905) pp.349-350

The above quote underlines just how powerful and relevant the role of the media is. An estate with such a responsibility not only needs to comprise of educated and smart individuals but also very ethical, moral and professional people who realize and take their responsibility seriously. Unfortunately, for numerous reasons, this has not always been the case in The Gambia where a lot of our “journalists” just pick up a pen because they have nothing else to do. Many get away with it for the simple reason that no one checks the media to make sure they are doing their job properly. Who is to hold the media responsible you ask? THE PEOPLE. Readers like you and I.

For my first article, I have decided to give my own ratings of our online Gambian News websites.

Gambian Now – 9.6/10

A great ambassador for Gambian journalism. This is where you find the most new stories. It is frequently updated and stories are not only relevant but also adequately covered. The editorial shows very good writing skills and style and appears very objective in their coverage of stories. Simply the best source of Gambian News and there is little room for improvement.

DESERVES: A pat on the back.

NEEDS: I’m sure your readers wouldn’t mind knowing who you are.

The Gambia Journal – 9.5/10

Almost everything about this site is head and shoulders above the rest. Great writing, current and frequently updated news on “important” issues, reasonable objectivity and well-thought out articles. The website also contains some useful links to very important resources and documents including the Gambian Constitution, The UN Charter, The AU Charter and the Geneva Convention. A look at their Editorial Staff explains what sets them apart. Not only are they educated, they’re also smart and very well-respected.

Definitely a website all Gambians can be proud of and testimony to other aspiring journalists that the time and resources spent getting an education will be well worth it.

DESERVES: A pat on the back.

NEEDS: More news stories would be appreciated.

The Point – 6/10

The best online paper currently operating on the ground in The Gambia. 5-day week news stories on what is going on in the country including the courts and sports. My only criticism is that they seem to be self-censoring to avoid rippling some waves with the current government. However, given their specific situation and experience in recent years, I’m sure most Gambians will understand their fear and cautiousness.

DESERVES: A pat on the back for having the courage to carry on after what happened.

NEEDS: To ask the question of whether the self-censoring is really showing respect to the memory of their late Editor Deyda Hydara.

Gainako – 8/10 OR 4.5/10

Yeah, I know you’re already wondering how come the two ratings. The problem is, I have a problem categorizing Gainako myself. The format is similar to that of a news site and it is commonly categorized as such but the content seems similar to that of a blog or a forum for people to air their views.

As a NEWS website, I have to give them a rating of 4.5/10 because I don’t see much news.

As a blog or forum for people to express themselves, they deserve a 9/10 for the simple reason that I have not read on any rival website or individual about Gainako censoring anyone. They display objectivity and give ear to every opinion. Gainako also has the unique feature of publishing some very important topics of discussion (some of which I personally find a bit boring) such as The History of Basse.

Points were also taken off for sometimes not having “new material” for days. Also points off for occasional problems with placing pictures over text or vice versa.

DESERVES: A freedom of expression award for being objective and open to diverging views.

NEEDS: 1.To define their website as either a newspaper (and start giving some actual news) or as a blog (and get a blog format).

2. A graphic designer to ensure that pictures are put in the right places.

The Gambia Echo – 4/10

The best thing about this website is that they constantly touch on some of the most probing political questions regarding the current government. Interviews with people like BB Dabo and other notable figures are definitely thumbs up. The editors also show a good grasp of the English language and stories are well-thought before being published. Why such a low rating then you might ask.

Well, mainly because of the lack of objectivity. A quick glance at their pattern of writing and intonation show clear bias and bitterness towards the Gambia government. The editors seem to have been wronged by the regime and are out to get revenge. In addition, it seems to me that to compete with their rival freedom newspaper for popularity, the echo is increasingly being dragged into controversial stories including personal attacks on individuals.

DESERVES: A pat on the back for seeking to answer questions Gambians are dying to have answered.

NEEDS: 1. Some HONEY to even out some of their bitterness OR just some counseling/ therapy to get over your pain.

2. A proper shirt with buttons and a cameraman for Matthew K to have a better picture on his articles.
3. To ease up on the use of big words.

Daily Observer – 3.5

Very far from what the Observer of Kenneth Best and the one Baba Galleh Jallow worked for. It is a good read to keep up on what topics going on but that’s about all you can rely on Observer for. “Topics” is highlighted because you can’t even rely on the full stories under the topics. The current day Observer makes Fox News look like a democrat network.

The quality of writing is also far from satisfactory. Not least because it lacks depth of thought.

NEEDS: A name change. Try something along the lines of “July 22^nd Observer” or perhaps “APRC News”.

Senegambia News – 3/10

The new kids on the block should be commended for doing a very good job of trying to be the first to report some important news stories the latest of which is the arrests at Total Success.

On the not so positive side, the editors’ command of English and writing leaves much to be desired.

The paper also seems to be walking with a chip on its shoulder leaving it to focus too much on “others”. First were their attacks on Freedom Newspaper, then on readers whose opinions differ from that of the “paper” and now on Gainako for publishing reader’s views. To make matters worse, this paper seems more interested in the individuals rather than addressing the issues being discussed. It seems like everyone is an “enemy” trying to bring them down and this distracts the editors from the important task of trying to improve their newly-founded paper to reach higher heights.

DESERVES: A pat on the back for breaking away from their mentors, Freedom Newspaper.

NEEDS: 1. A pacifier and a baby bottle to quit whining like a big baby every time someone says something sounding negative.

Freedom Newspaper – S/10 … “S” for SHAME

I will cease from giving them a numerical rating. Where do I begin? Appalling grammar, bitterness, biased, unprofessional, uneducated ...the list goes on and on and on.

DESERVES: A certificate of illiteracy and ignorance.

NEEDS: To just close down.