Eight years ago, President Adama Barrow’s accusations against certain unethical Gambian journalists who demanded money for positive news coverage were not only disappointing; they were concerning. Many young idealistic reporters are disillusioned by what they are asked to do in the name of journalism. 

While some media owners and reporters may lack scruples, morality and decency remain fundamental human values that most find difficult to forsake for a pay-check from their sponsors.

A journalist’s duty is to serve the public by seeking and reporting the truth as accurately as possible. Both reputable journalists and scholars are dedicated to the same principle: integrity in their work. A doctor’s ethos is “do no harm,” while ours is “tell the truth.” 

In the age of the internet, yellow journalism is often presented as clickbait, a pursuit for views and Dalasis. Consequently, the politics of division are amplified daily on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, with headlines crafted for shock value, using reactionary language and a sense of urgency to captivate and retain their intended audience.

Yellow journalism is characterised by sensationalism, scandal-mongering, innuendo, biased opinions, malicious rumours, and misinformation presented as truth. When such manipulated “alternative facts” become entrenched as dogma, their followers accept them as irrefutable truths, resistant to reality. 

This phenomenon, encapsulated by the phrase “Don’t confuse me with the facts”, finds resonance among many in Gambia and its diaspora. The abandonment of journalistic ethics and professionalism results in the public’s detriment, fostering doubt and widespread cynicism about who or what to trust. 

The revelations of extortion and bribery involving Adama Barrow and journalists for favourable coverage, while troubling, are not unprecedented. Globally, journalists are often confronted with such disconcerting yet common disclosures.

Journalists who forsake their ethical duties under the guise of a free press often commit deplorable acts against the public interest. They exploit their influence through the microphone and the pen, securing praise and benefits while manipulating public sentiment and ignorance, ultimately being celebrated for duping the masses.

In the media industry, the legal sector, and other professions, we observe young journalists eager to leverage the sacrifices of individuals, whether consciously or not, in both public and private spheres. Thus, it becomes difficult to laud someone who believes they merit recognition – be it a medal or an award – for proclaiming their essential public service.

The Gambians are so disillusioned by the hypocrisy of such actions that they question the legitimacy of these self-proclaimed champions of the cause. 

As these journalists try to suppress questionable experiences, “corrupt” incidents, and moments of indiscretion within their memories, they continue to bear the weight, doubt, and trauma, once again caught in a complex dance of doublethink, feeling a sense of failure.

This narrative teaches us several hard truths. Firstly, adopting the title of a journalist does not absolve one from responsibility for their actions. 

Secondly, our private deeds carry more weight than our public ones – they are not equivalent. The Gambia is neither dead nor irreparable. Gambians have become wiser and more discerning than we were two decades ago. We’ve moved beyond the realm of petty politics and meaningless propaganda under the guise of free speech. 

Moreover, we’re not blindly consuming what the media serves us; instead, we delve deeper to investigate the critical issues impacting our lives. 

True journalists should not waver or fly the flags of any political party or sell their conscience for a few thousand dalasis to politicians for personal gain. 

It’s time to stop accepting checks from politicians and party functionaries in exchange for cheap meals and photo opportunities. Accepting money from politicians for favours is unethical for journalists. 

Unfortunately, it seems there are more greedy and desperate journalists than politicians in the country. With the rise of citizen journalism, social media, and online platforms, it’s time for Gambians to support quality online journalism. 

We need to move away from journalism that resorts to insults, false reporting, and name-calling against those with differing opinions. As a nation of fifty-nine years, we should leverage our growing democracy to improve our journalistic standards. Considering the current state of Gambian journalism, we certainly deserve better.

By Alagi Yorro Jallow