News: Reform of the press profession in the DRC, proposals for positive change
The press profession in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is about to experience major changes. The Minister of Communication and government spokesman, Patrick Muyaya, recently received proposals for reform from the scientific committee of the National Congolese Press Union (UNPC). These proposals aim to overcome the problems that arise in the profession of journalism in the DRC.
The reforms, presented in the form of statutes, internal regulations, procedure manuals and a code of ethics and professional conduct, were drawn up after two weeks of intensive work. They aim to improve the professionalization of journalists and ensure greater transparency and accountability in the practice of journalism in the DRC.
The Minister of Communication said he was satisfied with the reform proposals submitted to him. He stressed the importance of changing the media narrative and recalled President Félix Tshisekedi’s commitment to supporting this reform process.
The main objective of these reforms is to put in place a new structure which will be responsible for identifying journalists through the issuance of a press card. This structure will also be responsible for dealing with possible slippages in the media sector and responding to concerns raised by the community.
The Minister of Communication stressed the importance of cleaning up the media landscape and the contribution of journalists to media salubrity. He also acknowledged the challenges encountered during this reform process, but was optimistic about the common will of all actors to develop the journalism profession in the DRC.
These reform proposals mark a crucial step in the professionalization of the press profession in the DRC. They testify to the will of the Congolese government and journalists to create a more transparent, responsible and professional media environment.
It now remains to implement these reforms and ensure that they are effectively applied on the ground. The process of reforming the press profession in the DRC is underway, and the future looks promising for a Congolese press that is more professional, more ethical and more committed to its public