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“I believe the media needs to commit to rigorous and impartial analysis of the reforms being undertaken and only by rising above petty bickering can the media play its full role.
Since the new government came to power in April, certain media outlets seem to have waged a veritable campaign of demagoguery against the initiatives of Ousmane Sonko and Basilou Diomaye Faye. Recent articles perfectly illustrate this populist and sensationalist tendency that plagues our media landscape.
Let’s start with an article discussing a proposal to sell the presidential plane to fund mobile clinics. At first glance, the idea might be fascinating for its apparent simplicity and symbolic potential. However, the reasoning is based on a misleading simplism. Selling the presidential plane is not a simple transaction; it is a decision that combines political symbolism with financial pragmatism. To reduce this issue to a miracle solution to improve our health system is to succumb to the crudest demagoguery. Health reforms should be judged on their sustainability and structure, not on symbolic gestures designed to cater to media egos hungry for attention-grabbing headlines.
Then, the shameless criticism of First Lady Faye’s bag and shoes revealed another aspect of this misleading journalism. The media seems to be more concerned with personal vendettas and harsh criticisms than in-depth analysis of public policies. This type of journalism distracts the public from the real issues. Instead of focusing on insults and name calling, the media should encourage constructive and informed debate about the challenges and solutions facing our country.
It is sad to see that the media indulge in inflammatory rhetoric, preferring alarmist headlines and meaningless controversies over serious analysis and constructive criticism. The role of the media is to inform and inspire, not to stir up useless controversies that do nothing to contribute to public debate. By adopting a more responsible approach, the media could play a vital role in Senegal’s development and stability. Instead, they have fostered a climate of mistrust and confusion, trying to prevent the Government from focusing on its priorities and proving its worth.
Since the inauguration of Basilu Diomaye Faye and the appointment of Ousmane Sonko as Prime Minister, the new Government has announced ambitious reforms. The decision to conduct an economic and financial inventory to determine the overall state of public finances is absolutely necessary. This approach, full of pragmatism and foresight, could mark the beginning of a systemic transformation of our country, in line with the campaign promises of Faye and Sonko.
However, some media outlets seem to continue to follow a non-constructive editorial line. This raises questions about their ability to play a counter-force role and objectively inform the public. As a citizen, I feel that the media needs to be more than content with forwarding criticisms, but rather commit to rigorous and impartial analysis of the reforms being undertaken.
It is time for the Senegalese media to unite and realize its fundamental role in our society. By moving away from demagoguery and returning to quality journalism, the media can truly contribute to building a prosperous and just Senegal. The first hundred days of the new government are crucial and I sincerely hope that the media will play their role by providing balanced and informed coverage of the reforms being undertaken.
Only by rising above petty disputes and adopting a journalistic attitude worthy of the name can the press fully fulfill its role as the fourth estate and thus guarantee a better future for our country. Great literary figures, such as Victor Hugo, used their pens to inspire and raise awareness in their time. It is time for the Senegalese media to draw inspiration from these outstanding examples and reclaim its place as a beacon of truth and justice in our society. ”
Oumou Wane,
President, Citizen Media Group Africa 7
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