The Independent Media Commission (IMC) and its media partners; the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists, the Independent Radio Network and the Inter Religious Council of Sierra Leone, with support from Irish Aid, have completed training for newsmen on the District Level Popularisation of the IMC Elections Coverage and Reporting.
The training was aimed to educate journalists on how to cover and report issues during elections that will maintain the peace and security of the country.
Representative of the Ministry of Communications in the IMC Board, Commissioner Emmanuel Turay said the Review Media Code of Practice has several issues that needs to be addressed through the separation of the rules and regulations that govern the print and electronic media in Sierra Leone.
Commissioner at the IMC, James Tamba Lebbie said journalists should provide truthful, comprehensive, accurate, balance and fair account of events in a context which gives their meaning.
He encouraged journalists to desist from conflict of interest and avoid bias reporting on issues. He said Part 5 of the Criminal Libel Law was repealed but that the public should be guarantee that this will not open the door for defamation.
He said: “The media would be held accountable if such occurs. The separation of the IMC electronic and print media rules and regulations will enhance professionalism in these sectors”.
Chairman of the IMC, Dr. Victor Massaquoi said journalists have been complying with the regulations of the IMC and the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone.
He encouraged them to continue the good work and provide their audience with factual, credible and balanced news coverage and reporting.
Journalists who benefitted from the workshop described the training as being very educative. They assured that as journalists, they will ensure they implement what they have learnt from the training to promote peaceful elections.
