The European Union (EU), in partnership with the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) and The Gambia Press Union (GPU), is supporting efforts to strengthen ethical standards in Gambian journalism through enhancing the capacity of the Gambia Media Council (GMC) and GPU to monitor ethical violations in media reporting. 

This initiative aims to uphold professional journalism standards and foster responsible media practices in The Gambia.

Speaking at the training session, the Deputy Head of Mission of the EU, Raphaël Brigandi, reaffirmed the EU's commitment to press freedom and professional journalism as part of broader efforts to strengthen democracy in The Gambia.

"Journalists play a crucial role in informing the public, holding those in positions of responsibility accountable, and fostering open and constructive debates. There is no democracy without a free press. At the same time, freedom comes with responsibility—the duty to uphold ethical standards ensuring accuracy, fairness, and integrity in reporting," Brigandi stated.

He acknowledged the challenges faced by media practitioners in The Gambia, particularly the slow pace of media law reforms. He further emphasised the crucial role of the GPU and GMC in protecting journalists' rights and promoting the highest professional standards in journalism.

Jainaba Faye, Head of the International IDEA Country Office, highlighted the importance of media houses in addressing ethical violations through internal compliance mechanisms. She stressed that independent bodies like the GPU and GMC must serve as watchdogs to uphold journalistic integrity.

"By actively monitoring media ethics, we foster a culture where truth prevails, misinformation is minimised, and journalism strengthens democracy. This vigilance ensures that reporting adheres to the highest standards of integrity and credibility," Faye noted.

Through the EU-funded Consolidation of Democratic Dispensation in The Gambia (CODE) project, International IDEA will develop a guide to reinforce key ethical principles such as accuracy, fairness, and accountability. This resource will support the GPU and GMC in effectively monitoring media content and addressing ethical violations.

Sheriff Saidykhan, Vice President of the GPU, underscored the importance of capacity-building initiatives to equip media professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to uphold ethical reporting.

"In The Gambia’s evolving media landscape, it is essential to establish a framework that not only identifies ethical violations but also fosters adherence to ethical values," he stated.

He referenced The Gambia’s media Code of Conduct, The Cherno Jallow Charter of Ethics for Journalists, which outlines core ethical principles tailored to the country's cultural and political context.

This initiative marks a significant step towards strengthening accountability and transparency in the Gambia's media sector, ensuring that journalism continues to serve as a pillar of democracy.