Ouagadougou: The Burkinabe Media Observatory on Friday called upon media outlets to enhance their understanding of the national journalism charter and address their structural weaknesses. The appeal was made during a workshop held in Ouagadougou, where OBM presented its 2024 report to various media leaders, including editors-in-chief and general secretaries.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the workshop served as a platform to evaluate the deficiencies prevalent in the national media landscape and propose measures to enhance professional quality and ethics. OBM President Ouangrawa Hamado highlighted that this initiative aligns with a broader vision for the continuous improvement of media services in Burkina Faso.

The focus of the workshop was on a presentation by consultant Dr. Andre Marie Pouya, who emphasized the structural and organizational weaknesses within Burkinabe media. Dr. Pouya identified several issues, such as a lack of awareness of the National Charter of Burkinabe Journalism, frequent grammatical errors in journalistic work, and insufficient engagement of press organizations during significant national and international events.

To address these challenges, Dr. Pouya recommended increasing the dissemination of the National Journalism Charter, enhancing the editorial and professional skills of journalists, and fostering dialogue between media professionals and public authorities.

OBM's organizational secretary, Benedicte Sawadogo, underscored the need for journalists to exercise restraint and responsibility in their work. She highlighted the distinction between communication in times of peace and during crises or wars, urging media professionals to always prioritize ethics and the nation's higher interests.