For the first time in its close to four years of existence [inaugurated on February 18th 2014], Kairo News has become a punching bag left and right for publishing a story whose authenticity has been questioned. For the purpose of setting the records straight, the government insider’s article had already circulated on social media before Kairo News laid hands on it. In line with Kairo News editorial policy, stories have to be corroborated or verified before they go to bed. There were times when it took us days and weeks trying to get to the bottom of a human interest story. Most of them got trashed for failing editorial test.
Like any media outlet, Kairo News too depends on sources whose scoops have proven to be right. These sources of information have become reliable and dependable. They have in the past provided us with unquestionable stories and articles of evidence that have added value and meaning to our work. This doesn’t mean these sources are infallible. Like any human, they too err. That’s why we try to corroborate their scoops, the ultimate goal being to publish factual news items to our deserving readership. Thanks to their genuine efforts, we cannot remember running a rejoinder. We still debated and questioned the insider’s article even though two of our sources have confirmed its veracity. Since the government was economical with reasons for relieving Interior Minister Mai Ahmad Fatty, Kairo News contacted Mr. Fatty to no avail. The story was then published with the expectation that Mr. Fatty would provide his side of the story.
Now that both Mai and Semlex have denied the insider’s allegations, Kairo News will not shy away from writing its first ever rejoinder. And in line with journalistic tradition, editors and publishers swallow their pride and correct a story and where necessary, say sorry. In that regard, Kairo News apologises to Hon. Mai Ahmad Fatty for any inconveniences the article might have caused to him, friends and family members. If Minister Mai Fatty was brave enough to apologise to a young reporter, who are not to do the same?
We wish to assure all Gambians that Kairo News team will, at all times, strive for excellence. Those who have been following us know that our style of journalism, which may not be perfect, is devoid of sensationalism or mudslinging. Together we can build a vibrant democracy, human rights and the rule of law. No democracy is complete without a vibrant press.
Issued by Kairo News Editorial Board
November 15th 2017
Ends
Great job kaironews for your appology to Mr Mai Fatty. Your contributions to restoration of democracy and rule of law cannot be overemphasized. When others have deviated from the fight to restore democracy and constitutional rule in The Gambia, you stayed the course till the end. For The first time you made a mistake in publication. I was so frustrated with your team for not publishing sensitive information about Jammeh’s human rights violations and economic crimes because of your tenacity to verify sources and you always ensured that you verified from sources before any publication. Your standard of journalism has proven to all that you are a force to be reckoned with and I must say thank you for staying put and focus when others like Fatu network were busy showcasing former enablers while freedom newspaper was making the case for supporter of human rights violations, Mamma Kandeh. Despite your contributions, your team never seek recognition and name in this struggle. Your efforts were based on love, duty and pride to the country.
Thank you Mr Fatty, you are a true citizen. Kairo News has implicated you but god is in your side. Well done Mr Fatty. Keep on working with our party Gambia’s future GMC.
Mature journalism at its best! By telling us not just what happened but also how you corroborated stories before publication is informative and appreciative. I respect your Editorial Board’s courage to tell us exactly how the insider’s article made its way to public. Unlike other publishers who find excuses to apportion blame on where it doesn’t exist, Kairo News team comes clean. Bravo! I really admire your style of journalism. Left to me alone none of the harsh comments on Kairo News will not be published. I can’t take unnecessary heat.
Journalism at its best. What else can I say? Keep it up #KairoNews for this. You have demonstrated to be professional journalists.
i am surprised about the apology, the big problem with me is not your publication about Mr Mai, but why was he shown the exist the door, the rumor will only end when our beloved leader takes another step to show his courage by given us a simple understandable reason. Why Mai was shown the Exist door, otherwise the Gambian people will find their own reasons despite these reasons are right or wrong.
Well my take on this is that why did it take you too long to apologize when facts are abundantly available? I have lost my confidence in you.