By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The leadership of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 held a courtesy meeting with their counterparts at the Independent Media Commission (IMC). The key takeaway from the discussion was the urgent need for collaboration between these two major media organizations to initiate the reengineering process necessary to give the industry meaningful impact.
In a recent address, the President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, underscored the crucial need for proper registration of journalists to safeguard the integrity and credibility of the profession. The statement comes in response to growing concerns over the proliferation of individuals claiming to be journalists without legitimate credentials.
The SLAJ President highlighted that the evolving landscape of journalism, including the rise of bloggers and citizen journalists, necessitates rigorous measures to ensure that only true journalists are recognized and protected. The organization stressed that media registration is not merely a formality but a vital tool for verifying the authenticity of journalists.
“We must jealously guard our profession,” said President Ahmed Sahid Nasralla. “This isn’t just about rights; it’s about ensuring that those who claim to be journalists truly are. Many individuals claim to be journalists because they’ve done something somewhere, but they aren’t true journalists.”
SLAJ aims to create a scenario where journalists can proudly claim their registration status. The organization emphasized that media registration should be seen as a privilege rather than a material benefit, serving as a means of official recognition rather than a form of compensation.
The importance of proper registration extends beyond journalists to include photographers and other media practitioners. The Association noted the need for clear identification to manage the legal and technical aspects of image transmission, ensuring accurate representation of events and individuals.
SLAJ President also addressed concerns about the protection of its members. “When people register as a company, subscribers and members need to be identified,” he noted. “We already have records of SLAJ members and these individuals should be recognized as part of our professional community.”
The organization emphasized that registration is crucial not only for protection but also for maintaining credibility. “If you want to practice as a journalist, you should also have the opportunity to be recognized officially,” the President stated. “It’s not about censorship; it’s about proper registration and ensuring that all media practitioners are part of a recognized body.”
In light of these concerns, SLAJ is conducting consultations to open dialogue and address these issues comprehensively. The Association stressed the need for adherence to clear criteria for membership and the importance of avoiding the recruitment of individuals who do not meet those standards.
“We need to ensure that our membership is properly registered,” Ahmed Sahid Nasralla reiterated. “This isn’t something to frown upon; it’s about maintaining high standards within our profession.”
The SLAJ President also emphasized the importance of education and training to address these issues effectively and ensure that the Association continues to uphold its standards and protect its members.
As SLAJ moves forward, the organization remains committed to working together to safeguard the reputation of journalism and ensure that its members are recognized and respected within the industry.
