The Mauritanian Independent Journalists' Union has voiced its deep dissatisfaction with the recent media survey, which it claims was conducted without adequate consultation with stakeholders in the media sector. The union also expressed concern over the exclusion of several media institutions from the survey, without clear criteria or guidelines being made public. This, the union argues, undermines the principles of transparency and fairness.
The union has called on the Minister of Culture, Arts, and Communication, and Relations with Parliament, to ensure that decisions and procedures related to the regulation of the media sector are aligned with the program of President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, which aims to reform the media landscape and promote professionalism and diversity. The union believes that the regulation of the sector can only be achieved through the adoption of clear and transparent criteria.
The Mauritanian Independent Journalists' Union has demanded that the High Authority for Press and Visual Communication (HAPCV) disclose the criteria used in the recent media survey and explain the basis for the classification of media institutions. The union also wants the HAPCV to review the irregularities recorded during the survey and ensure fairness for media institutions that were excluded without clear justification.
The union's demands also include ensuring media and union pluralism, and respecting the principle of equal opportunities among various institutions and professional bodies. Furthermore, the union wants the HAPCV to promote a culture of consultation and dialogue with unions, bodies, and media institutions before making decisions that may impact the sector.
The Mauritanian Independent Journalists' Union has emphasized that media reform cannot be achieved through exclusion or marginalization, but rather through dialogue, participation, and fairness. The union also reiterated its commitment to defending the professional, material, and moral rights of journalists and protecting the rights of media institutions.
The union's statement comes at a time when the media sector in Mauritania is undergoing significant reforms. The government has been working to improve the media landscape and promote professionalism and diversity. However, the union's concerns highlight the challenges that need to be addressed to ensure a free and independent media.
The Mauritanian Independent Journalists' Union has called for the involvement of all stakeholders in the reform process, without discrimination or exclusion. The union believes that this is essential for building a professional, independent, and diverse media sector that can perform its role in serving society and the nation.
Key points
- The Mauritanian Independent Journalists' Union has expressed discontent over the recent media survey, citing a lack of transparency and exclusion of several media institutions.
- The union has demanded that the High Authority for Press and Visual Communication disclose the criteria used in the survey and review the irregularities recorded during the process.
- The union emphasizes that media reform cannot be achieved through exclusion or marginalization, but rather through dialogue, participation, and fairness.
