Elections coverage for Media code of conduct signed

Georgetown: To ensure balance and fair coverage during the upcoming General and Regional Elections, news agencies across Guyana on Wednesday signed onto the Guyana Elections Commission’s. GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally along with Media Consultant, Dr Paloma Mohamed and  heads of the various media houses who signed onto the Code of Conduct.  GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally along with Media Consultant, Dr Paloma Mohamed and heads of the various media houses who signed onto the Code of Conduct. Owners and editors of all media houses pledged to practice journalistic integrity and professionalism while covering the upcoming elections. It was stated that the 2015 Code of Conduct is a re-drafting of the renewed and unselfish endorsement of media operatives in the upcoming elections. GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally commended media operatives for participating in the training sessions which subsequently led to the signing. However, he also used the opportunity to allude to published articles which he felt were unethical and should not have been published. “In a certain newspaper there was a story about an elderly man who suffered a heart attack following news of the APNU/AFC coalition, that cannot be tolerated! We will not tolerate that!” Dr Surujbally said media operatives should be reminded that they are above the “political frame,” noting too that they should hold fast to the truth. Alluding to the Media Monitoring Unit (MMU), he said it has maintained a smooth track record due to its ability to promote peace during elections. “Media monitoring made elections a success in the past and this did not change in 2011. With you (media operatives) doing your jobs, you in turn make ours easier,” he said. However, Dr Surujbally warned that if any media practitioner or entity defies the conditions within the Code of Conduct, GECOM will not hesitate to act accordingly. “If anyone gets out of line, we will not take it sitting down,” he emphasised. In addition to the signing of the Code of Conduct, members of the MMU were revealed to the press. However, these individuals are still to undergo training in this capacity but GECOM said the various media houses will be informed in no more than a week of the commencement of monitoring. All of the persons appointed to serve as part of the MMU, Dr Surujbally disclosed, are holders of degrees from the University of Guyana, mainly in the field of Communication. Some are also experienced in the field of journalism. Meanwhile, Media Consultant, Dr Paloma Mohamed lauded the transformation media operatives have made over the years. She explained that in the past, the atmosphere was so tense during elections time that it was impossible to have persons from the various media entities sitting in the same room, much less having mature discussions. This year, Dr Mohamed said the MMU is showing high concerns over what happens on online and cable media as well. Further, the safety of media operatives was also addressed. “During the immediate post elections period members of the media have to be careful. Safety of journalists, editors and owners are high on our agenda,” Mohamed said. She pointed out too that the definition of “hate speech” has been extended beyond racial discrimination in light of “recent character assassinations” published in the media. The reestablishment of the MMU is a collaborative effort of the European Union (EU), the Canadian High Commission and GECOM.