By Arret Jatta
The United States Embassy in Banjul on Monday hosted a Foreign Press Centre Forum aimed at promoting journalists exchange programmes and strengthening professional ties between Gambian media practitioners and the United States.
The forum brought together journalists, government officials, diplomats, civil society representatives and alumni of the US Department of State’s Foreign Press Centre (FPC) reporting tours to discuss the value of international media exchanges and their contribution to quality journalism.
Opening the event, US Chargé d’Affaires Robert Anderson described journalists as key partners in advancing the longstanding relationship between the United States and The Gambia. He said the forum formed part of activities commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States’ Declaration of Independence and reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to supporting a free and independent press.
Anderson said the Foreign Press Centre reporting tours provide journalists with firsthand access to US institutions, policymakers and communities, enabling them to produce informed and in-depth reporting on issues ranging from elections and immigration to youth leadership and governance.
He noted that journalists from several Gambian media organisations, including The Standard, GRTS, QTV, Fatu Network, Malagen and The Chronicle, have participated in the programme and encouraged more media houses to take advantage of future opportunities.
Addressing participants virtually from Washington, Foreign Press Centre Director Jeffrey Weinschenker said fact-based, on-the-ground reporting is more important than ever in today’s rapidly changing information environment. He praised Gambian journalists who have participated in the reporting tours, describing them as committed professionals who have helped strengthen media ties between the two countries.
Representing the Gambia Press Union, Programme Officer Juldeh Njie commended the US Embassy for its continued investment in the professional development of Gambian journalists. She said international exchange programmes expose journalists to global best practices, strengthen ethical reporting and broaden perspectives on issues such as migration, elections, governance and climate change.
The forum concluded with Gambian Foreign Press Centre alumni Including The Standard’s Omar Bah sharing their experiences and insights from reporting assignments in the United States, highlighting the impact of the programme on their journalism and professional growth.