The Mauritanian Journalists' Union (SJM) has expressed support for the High Authority of Press and Audiovisual's (HAPA) recent publication of a preliminary list of national press institutions that meet acceptable professional and institutional standards. According to the union, this move marks a significant step in regulating the media landscape and implementing relevant legislation. The SJM views the adoption of clear evaluation criteria for press organs as a means to enhance the credibility of the national media landscape.
The union's statement highlights that the success of this initiative relies on the objectivity of the criteria used and the transparency of their application. The SJM emphasizes the importance of respecting journalists' and sector workers' rights, as well as ensuring that press enterprises fulfill their professional and social commitments to employees. The union also calls for prior consultation with syndical and professional bodies regarding decisions impacting the sector's future.
The SJM has urged HAPA to establish a right of appeal for institutions that feel disadvantaged by the classification, allowing them to present their cases and clarify their situations. The union believes that integrating respect for journalists' professional and social rights into the classification and licensing criteria for media outlets is essential. They also advocate for the effective involvement of professional organizations in the sector's reform process.
The Mauritanian Journalists' Union reaffirms its support for rigorous and fair implementation of laws governing the profession, adhering to principles of transparency, pluralism, and media independence. The union's statement reflects its commitment to promoting a well-regulated media environment that prioritizes professionalism and fairness.
The classification initiative by HAPA aims to distinguish between institutions that meet the minimum requirements for journalistic work and those that do not. By doing so, the authority seeks to promote a more credible and reliable media landscape in Mauritania. The SJM's endorsement of the initiative underscores the importance of such efforts in enhancing the country's media sector.
The union's call for guaranteed workers' rights and a right of appeal for affected institutions highlights the need for a balanced approach to media regulation. This approach must consider both the credibility of media outlets and the well-being of their employees. By engaging with HAPA and other stakeholders, the SJM aims to ensure that the classification process is fair, transparent, and effective.
The Mauritanian Journalists' Union's statement concludes by emphasizing the importance of expediting the implementation of the law on professional journalists and its application texts. By doing so, the union hopes to contribute to a more professional and responsible media environment in Mauritania, one that prioritizes the rights and interests of both journalists and the public.
Key points
- The Mauritanian Journalists' Union supports HAPA's media classification initiative, citing its potential to enhance the credibility of the national media landscape.
