On Friday June 23, 2023, Ouagadougou hosted a discussion meeting with media managers on the 3 reference texts for responsible media practices in a context of security crisis and social tension. It was chaired by Abdoulazize Bamogo, president of the Superior Council of Communication (CSC).
For the President of the Superior Council of Communication (CSC), Abdoulazize Bamogo, “Faced with the danger that threatens Burkina Faso, we must all demonstrate a great sense of responsibility in the choice of words when we express ourselves in the public space”. This concern is primarily addressed to media professionals with regard to the trust they enjoy from the public. In addition, all Burkinabè citizens are called upon to show responsibility in publications, comments or sharing on social networks and in speaking out through the media. It is this concern that prevailed in the CSC’s decision to draw up four reference texts intended for media professionals and all fellow citizens. The CSC involved several actors in the development of each document, mainly the self-regulatory body that is the Burkinabe Media Observatory (OBM), professional media organisations, media managers and journalists. The charter of good conduct for denominational media, the guide to managing denominational content, the 7 points of attention intended for media players are the reference texts. The 7 points of attention are: contribute to strengthening the unity of the nation; contribute to the motivation of national combat forces; set up formal frameworks for discussion and validation of information; contribute to the resilience of the Burkinabè people; avoid the publication or dissemination of information likely to harm the general interest; always take into account the official version and for the subjects which relate to problems; report solutions. During the meeting with media managers, these texts were presented because their usefulness appeared strong in view of the challenges facing the media sector in Burkina Faso, in this context marked by a worrying security challenge.
The CSC also listened to media professionals who must appropriate the content of these texts. The institution collected comments and ideas for better ownership of these instruments by the target audiences. It should be noted that to these three texts, there is a fourth intended for all active fellow citizens on social networks and who participate in direct expression broadcasts. This document is entitled 10 tips for Burkinabè citizens for responsible behavior on social networks and in direct expression programs in a context of security crisis and social tensions.
Jules TIENDREBEOGO
