|
Features -
Little Things
|
|
Written by Our Senior Staff
|
|
Monday, 06 August 2012 06:17 |
The People's Republic of China, through its embassy in Monrovia on Friday, August 3, 2012, held a one-day interactive forum with Liberian media practitioners at its embassy in Congo Town to seek their involvement and participation in the implementation of bilateral development.
In his welcome remarks, Chinese Ambassador accredited to Monrovia, Zhao Jianhua, lauded the Liberian media for its check and balance reportage in reminding government of its responsibility and role to improve the livelihood of its citizens.
The Ambassador who described the media as crucial partner to development, said China needs the involvement of the media through the following means: informing the public on what is or will be done bilaterally, helping remind government to compete and identify specific programs or projects and try to influencing government in taking concrete steps for the implementation of multi-lateral projects.
He indicated that China will do all it can in working closely with members of the Liberian media for the implementation of projects that Liberia will compete for in compliance with recommendations and action plan adopted at the just ended fifth ministerial Forum On China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing.
He then committed his country preparedness to establish a cordial media exchange relationship for the enhancement of bilateral development between the two countries.
For his part, the Director General of the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS) Darryl Ambrose Nmah, lauded the Chinese government for such initiative and called on the media to engage in positive propaganda in educating the public rightly on national and international issues.
Also speaking was the Managing Editor of the Inquirer Newspaper Philip Wesseh who described the media as a forceful tool for peace and development.
According to him, nationalism and patriotism still remains a problem within the Liberia media landscape.
He said media practitioners need to develop the spirit of nationalism and objectivity as they go about with their reportage as part of their contribution in fostering development.
Another speaker at the forum was Presidential Press Secretary Jerolinmek Piah who acknowledged the media critical role in promoting development. Piah used the occasion to admonish media practitioners to desist from sentimental reportage and be more objective for the good of the country's development.
The forum was attended by cross section of Liberian media practitioners including Press Union of Liberia President Peter Quaqua and staffer.
|
