Media ownership worries BOFEPUSU

Oarabile Mosikare | Tuesday May 5, 2015 13:05

Delivering a solidarity message at the World Press Freedom Day celebrations in Gaborone on Sunday, BOFEPUSU president Johannes Tshukudu said the tendency would reduce the voice of journalists in Botswana.  He said this turn of events was worrisome because it raised the possibility that in the long run the wealthy new media moguls could become partners or friends of politicians.

“This means going forward there is going to be a lot of news censorship or screening,” he said.

“Only news that pleases these magnates would be made available to the public robbing them of critical data to help shape this nation for the better.”

The unionist said media houses could not win if trade unions adopted a “sit and watch” approach.  “We vividly understand that for our struggle to bear some desired fruits, we rely on media houses to inform the nation of our cause, hence this call today of being on your side throughout,” he said.

Tshukudu also encouraged journalists to ensure that issues of gender equality are centralised in all their reportage.

“We do not expect any kid gloves when reporting on issues that affect womenfolk. We are aware that culture has some influence on the way you carry your stories and today’s theme says you must be vigilant to maintain the much needed balance at all times.

“You must not be lenient or tough on one gender and do the opposite on the other in your reporting,” he said.

Tshukudu pledged the federation’s assistance to the media to avert any threat that arises as journalists undertake their checks and balances.

The theme of this year’s commemoration was ‘Let Journalism Thrive! Towards Better Reporting, Gender Equality And Media Safety In The Digital Age’.