The long-awaited list of registered media outlets in Senegal has sparked debate,with some expressing concerns about the selection process. However, the president of the Council for the Regulation of the media (CORED), speaking on Sud Fm Sen Radio’s “Ndekki Li” program, defended the initiative, emphasizing its importance for media accountability and professionalism.
The CORED president highlighted that the Ministry of Interaction had initially announced the completion of the media registration process back in October 2023, with the list expected to be published soon. “Which CORED welcomed, because it would make our work easier…” he stated.However, the delay in publication prompted CORED to send an official letter to the ministry in December 2023, inquiring about the timeline.
Addressing concerns raised by media outlets not included on the list, the CORED president emphasized the importance of self-regulation and the need for all media organizations to adhere to established rules. “we were associated because we engage in self-regulation. And all those who campaign for the sanitation of the corporation must welcome the initiative… Each profession obeys rules and registration is one of them,” he explained.
He further elaborated on the collaborative process between the Ministry of Communication,Telecommunications and Digital Affairs,CORED,and the National Regulatory Authority for Audiovisual and Communication (CNRA) in establishing the registration criteria. “As soon as he took office, the minister met with all media organizations. We discussed the difficulties of the sector. He received the CORED to imbue him with the platform set up in august. There are criteria to meet and details to provide. Those who met these criteria were selected. For the rest, there is no reason to be alarmed, they only have to wait for the meeting of the commission in which CORED, the CNRA, and Dean Ibrahima Bakhoum are represented, who is by far our senior in this profession.”
Reassuring those who were not initially included, the CORED president stressed the importance of due process and transparency. “and no one can make Ibrahima Bakhoum do something that is not legal. And I too cannot condone this. But I will also not accept irregularities and abuses in the profession. I head a structure responsible for media self-regulation. For all those who fail, the commission will send them correspondence to inform them of the shortcomings to be corrected.So, there is no cause for alarm. It is only when, after correcting the shortcomings, they are failed, that they will have to make themselves heard.”
He urged media outlets to remain calm and patient, emphasizing that the registration process is ongoing. “For the president of the media self-regulatory body, ’as the process is ongoing, there is no need to get too carried away’,” he said, providing an example to illustrate potential reasons for rejection. “For example, the national press card commission, which is in its 4th year of existence, began issuing the first press cards (which are valid for 3 years, editor’s note) as June 2021. For the first to benefit from it are in the process of renewing it. But, untill then, there are organs where only reporters have taken the steps to obtain the card, press owners and other editorial managers have not considered it necessary to obtain one. And yet, currently, in Senegal, whatever their status (journalist or technician), anyone who does not have a press card cannot be considered a media professional.I wasn’t there, perhaps many were failed based on this criterion. This was the first filter and media recording is the second. This will make work easier for everyone.”
“There is something new, the Press Code. The Commission based itself on the Press Code,” he concluded.
## “A Turning Point for Media Accountability in Senegal?” Interview with CORED President
**World-Today-News.com sat down with [CORED President’s Name], President of the Council for the Regulation of the Media (CORED), to discuss the recently published list of registered media outlets in Senegal. The list, highly anticipated by both the media community and the public, has sparked debate and raised concerns about the selection process. President [Name] addressed these concerns and championed the initiative as a crucial step towards greater media accountability and professionalism.**
**World-Today-news.com:** the publication of the list of registered media outlets has been met with mixed reactions.Can you elaborate on the rationale behind this initiative and its significance for Senegal’s media landscape?
**CORED President:** This initiative is vital for several reasons. Firstly, it brings much-needed openness to the media landscape. For too long, the lack of a clear registry has allowed for a proliferation of outlets operating without adhering to professional standards or ethical guidelines.This diminishes public trust and hinders the dissemination of accurate information, which is fundamental to a functioning democracy.
Secondly, registration allows us at CORED to effectively monitor and regulate media activity. we can now more efficiently address complaints, investigate potential violations, and enforce ethical standards. This will ultimately lead to a more responsible and accountable media sector.
**World-Today-News.com:** there have been concerns that the selection process was not transparent and that some deserving media outlets were excluded from the list.Can you address these concerns?
**CORED President:** I understand the anxieties surrounding the selection process. The Ministry of Interaction, responsible for the initial registration phase, has strongly emphasized the criteria used in evaluating applications. These criteria include adherence to legal requirements, journalistic ethics, professional management, and financial stability.
It’s important to remember that self-regulation is a cornerstone of responsible journalism. All media organizations, regardless of their inclusion on this list, should strive to uphold the ethical standards and best practices that our profession demands.
**World-Today-News.com:** Some argue that this list amounts to censorship or an attempt to control the media.How woudl you respond to such criticism?
**CORED President:** This initiative is not about censorship; it’s about accountability and professionalism. Our goal is to create an environment where all media outlets operate responsibly and ethically. This benefits not only the media sector itself but also the public, who deserve access to accurate and reliable information.
CORED welcomes all media organizations to collaborate with us as we strive to uphold the highest standards of journalism in Senegal.We believe this list is a crucial step in that direction, ultimately strengthening the role of the media in our society.
**World-Today-News.com:** What are the next steps for CORED following the publication of this list?
**CORED president:** We will now focus on engaging with registered media outlets to provide guidance and support in upholding ethical standards and best practices. We will also continue to monitor the media landscape, investigate complaints, and address violations in a fair and transparent manner.
This is a turning point for media regulation in Senegal. We are committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure a vibrant and responsible media sector that serves the best interests of our nation.
**[End interview]**
