The Media, Youth and Culture Committee of the National Assembly that is Chaired by Hon. Wavel Woodcock, hosted a Debate at the National Assembly yesterday afternoon on the 03rd of May, 2021. This Debate was done to commemorate the World Press Freedom Day, a recognised International Day of the United Nations.
The panel consisted of the Chairperson of the Committee, Hon. Wavel Woodcock, the Vice Chairperson, Hon. Philip Arissol, Hon. Kelly Samynadin, Hon. Naddy Zialor and the former Chairperson of the Media, Youth and Culture Committee of the 6th Assembly, Hon. Gervais Henrie who also currently serves as the Deputy Speaker to the National Assembly. The Committee had the pleasure of having a group of participants that came from different backgrounds which included journalists from different media houses, representatives from the Seychelles Human Rights Commission, the Office of the Ombudsman, the Seychelles National Youth Assembly, Non-Governmental Organisations such as UN Youth and ARID, the Information Commission and the Seychelles Media Commission, amongst others.
This year’s World Press Freedom Day theme was “Information as a Public Good” and served as a call to affirm the importance of cherishing information as a public good, and exploring what can be done in the production, distribution and reception of content to strengthen journalism, and to advance transparency and empowerment while leaving no one behind. The theme was of urgent relevance to all countries across the world. It recognizes the changing communications system that is impacting on our health, our human rights, democracies and sustainable development.
During the debate, the panel was able to put forward their point of views in line with questions being asked by the Moderator of the Debate, Ms Marie-Anette Ernesta. The participants also took this opportunity to share views that they found to be of great importance. They were all made aware that journalism is under great stress. At the same time, humanity faces a confusing abundance of content and information that drowns out even the facts that are produced and circulated at both global and local levels of the press. The main question addressed whether or not the participants believe that ‘false news’ – disinformation is a threat to the public and media outlets.
Several other points and questions were raised around topics related to freedom of the press, social media versus mainstream media, quality of news, fact-checking information, training of journalists as well as the responsibility that both media houses and the public have in terms of handling information the right way. The Media, Youth and Culture Committee expressed their heartfelt appreciation to all the participants who contributed to the Debate and looks forward to hosting similar events in the future.
