This year’s national dialogue on media development will discuss on issues relating to the participation of Rwandan journalists on issues that concern their profession, said Mr Peacemaker Mbungiramihigo, a Secretary of Media High Council.
Among the guests included Gakire Fidele a journalist and Kabagambe Ignatius from RGB (Rwanda Governance Board).
Mbungiramihigo said this during a live radio show in the studios of Radio Isango star, a show that was broacasted in other five radio stations including Ishingiro, Izuba, Voice of Africa, Inkoramutima and Radio 10.
The core aspects of this dialogue will involve the achievements of the preceding dialogues and an analysis of what still needs to be done as to set up a journalism profession that fits the needs of citizens.
Mbungiramihigo Peacemaker said that the preceding dialogues have played a significant role in setting up laws that regulated the profession. He said that some of the achievements include a law that eases the access to information.
To the other hand, Gakire said that the dialogue does not respond effectively to the aspirations of the journalists especially on having access to information and adverts from all stakeholders . He said that working conditions for journalists still hinder them from fulfilling their duties.
Mr Kabagambe underlined the fact that government backs media through capacity building but does not play the role of media.
He said that even if positives changes have been achieved but still more needs to be done.
Gakire said that in the forthcoming media dialogue, aspects to be discussed upon should involve a Rwandan spirit on the debate.
He explained that discussants should be more Rwandans than foreigners who claim to understand journalism issues in Rwanda more than Rwandan journalists do.
According to Peacemaker Mbungiramihigo, this annual national dialogue on media development will be an adequate opportunity for media professionals to discuss on issues that concern their profession in order to come up with real solutions to challenges professionals encounter.
The weekly debate is held in collaboration with Institut Panos Paris and Association Rwandaise des Journalistes and takes place every Sunday from 2h00 to 3h00 pm.
UM– USEKE.RW
