From media access to medical emergencies (by Mohamed GASSAMA)

Let us begin with a truism, that is, an obvious fact that no one can refute: the Senegalese media is sick, not because of the presence of viruses or bacteria, but because of its own destruction.

Journalism has become a refuge for “directionless” professionals, or a “louma” who talks about everything and nothing. You don’t need to be an expert to believe this. We will return to this topic soon, In Sha Allah. In the meantime, let us pay attention to the financial health of the media, a subject that drives all conversations and requires mobilization from all sides. This is not a figment of the imagination, just listen to the complaints and complaints, or look at the newspapers to notice the symptoms of suffering. We will be careful not to look for possible culprits or point fingers at scapegoats. On the other hand, let us not beat around the bush and, most importantly, let us not try to minimize the suffering, especially since we seem to be falling from Charybdis to Scylla. In fact, both the public and private media are far from being out of the turbulent zone. We will gain nothing by hiding our condition from the attending physician. Therefore, it is better to agree to tell everything so that the real cause of the discomfort can be determined as soon as possible and the best care can be given. What to do?

Act together to find lasting solutions. It is good to call meetings or issue press releases, but it is better to recognize that the media accounts are in serious debt. In this regard, we believe that initiatives should not be limited to simple calls for dialogue with the government. It is therefore imperative to make concrete proposals to the relevant departments to make the accounts credible as soon as possible and restore the media to its former glory. Therefore, we must use all possible channels and learn from the experience of our predecessors. Of course, there are many and most of them share the same “Whatsapp” groups. Therefore, we are thinking of the mediation of current and retired media predecessors. These wise men of the Senegalese media created the heyday of radio, television and printed media and they can provide good offices. Don’t they say that the media decides everything?

Therefore, in the company of other goodwill, they should be able to ensure reconciliation among stakeholders. If this has already begun, so much the better, knowing that diplomacy is not conducted in the public square.
This is a serious situation, in our humble opinion, with consequences such as these that a diagnosis must be made, but complacency cannot be allowed. Questions are tormenting.

First, do newspaper companies actually have an economic model worthy of the name?

Second, are they too dependent on the aid of the press, the kindness of the previous regime, or the generosity of certain patrons?

In any case, we must recognize that something is broken somewhere and that the warning signs are clearly visible. In other words, many observers, at least those who foresaw the coming of this wave, do not seem surprised by the crisis. That said, we must have intellectual honesty to note that this adventure does not deprive the media owners of their merits, especially because they dared to invest and participate in the work of nation-building. In addition, everyone knows that life is not a long and calm river. There are ups and downs. Precisely because of this, this is neither the place nor the time to make judgments. However, as the politician and cantor Aimé César pointed out, with the crisis of the press in the bazaar, we would betray our humanity and fail our solidarity and compassion if we crossed our arms with the dull attitude of spectators. of the black people. Of course, the failure of the media is not a spectacle. Worse, a closed newspaper is not a drama that is being performed. To put it bluntly, if nothing is done, we will be forced to accept a medical emergency, a step before entering the intensive care unit, all of which requires high-risk operations. May Allah protect us!

In order to avoid any unforeseen consequences, we respectfully invite the State of Senegal to continue to play its role as protector and guarantor of media pluralism and to ensure the right to information.

As for the heads of news companies, we very fraternally remind you of the need to return to the basics of management and public accounting by fulfilling your tax obligations.
May Allah make everything easier!