The National Elections Commission (NEC), through its partners and the media, has climaxed a three-day review of the media code of conduct for election coverage in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, with over 50 journalists in attendance.
The media code of conduct serves as a guideline and reminder for professional and responsible coverage during the election period.
Those who participated in the Buchanan event were gathered from Grand Cape Mount, Gbarpolu, Bomi, Margibi, Sinoe, Rivercess, Montserrado and Grand Bassa counties. The participants included reporters, editors, producers, presenters and publishers.
The second phase of the review will run from July 21—23 in Ganta, Nimba County. In Ganta, the event will host participants from Nimba, Maryland, River Gee, Grand Kru, Lofa, Grand Gedeh and Bong counties.
Following the reviews, which are being sponsored by UNDP Liberia, Irish Aid and the Embassy of Sweden in Monrovia, auxiliaries of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), including the Female Journalists Association of Liberia (FeJAL), Reporters Association of Liberia (RAL) and the Association of Liberian Community Radios, are expected to co-sign the instrument with the NEC at an elaborate event.
Marking remarks shortly after the review and adoption, Atty. Nathan P. Garbie, Deputy Executive Director for Programs at NEC, explained that the workshop was intended to provide critical information, cautioning journalists to make use of every lesson learned.
“Like the political parties and civil society organizations’ code of conduct, NEC ensures that the media code is updated prior to the conduct of major elections to meet current realities facing the media, including the fast-spreading of disinformation through the new media,” Atty Garbie said.
UNDP Representative, Cllr. Aagon Tingba, making remarks, emphasized on ethical practice by journalists in reporting on election matters. “The media is the conscience of the society. If you do not have a good media the story will not be told; therefore, it is important that journalists be ethical,” Cllr. Tingba stated.
