The Gambia Press Union (GPU) has raised serious concerns over the Draft National Press Accreditation Policy and the Broadcasting and Online Content Regulations, 2025, cautioning that the proposals could undermine press freedom and media independence in the country.

While acknowledging the stated objectives of promoting professionalism and order in media operations, the Union says the frameworks, as currently drafted, risk creating a system of state control over who may practice journalism and what content can be published.

According to the GPU, the regulations conflict with the 1997 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression and the independence of the press, and they also contradict The Gambia’s international obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

The Union emphasizes that journalists should not be required to obtain licenses or registration from the State, citing international standards that protect the essential watchdog role of the media in democratic societies.

At the center of GPU’s concerns is the role of the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA), which the draft regulations empower to register journalists, monitor content, enforce removal directives, and suspend or revoke accreditation.

The Union argues that this approach effectively turns content regulation into a mechanism of administrative control, rather than a public-interest safeguard.

It warns that journalists and online communicators could face professional sanctions for lawful reporting, encouraging self-censorship and undermining editorial independence.

The Union also expressed concern over the treatment of Social Media Users with Significant Public Reach (SPURs), who would be required to register with PURA to continue sharing content.

GPU warns that vague criteria for registration, combined with discretionary authority to suspend or cancel registration, could stifle digital expression, particularly for those covering politically sensitive issues.

In addition, the draft National Press Accreditation Policy links access to government institutions with prior state registration, extensive documentation, and compliance with broad content standards.

The GPU argues that such conditions transform accreditation from a practical access tool into a gatekeeping mechanism that could influence what journalists report, especially in investigative or politically sensitive reporting.

GPU calls for a clear separation between technical regulation and content oversight. It recommends that PURA focus solely on infrastructure and service provision, while professional ethics, complaints, and accreditation should be managed by an independent Media Council of The Gambia.

The Union urges the Ministry of Information to revise the regulatory framework to remove state licensing powers over journalists and online communicators, ensure accreditation is administered independently, and limit state intervention to criminal matters adjudicated by the courts.

The Union concludes that adopting these recommendations would protect constitutional freedoms, enhance media credibility, and bring The Gambia’s media governance in line with democratic and international standards.

By Adama Makasuba