Gambians have started to reap the dividends of democracy as the first private television station is established in the country, fifty-two years after independence. Known as QTV, the new media house will now join the state broadcaster, Gambia Radio and Television Services, as the only channels in the country.
The launch of the channel was performed by President Adama Barrow and his Sierra Leonean counterpart, Ernest Koroma, last week. An elated President Barrow said, “the government is part of this initiative and we are equally appreciative of your firm commitment to discharge your corporate social responsibility, as expected. The road to development is a long one, therefore we need all hands on deck”.
QTV is part of a bigger project that includes a sports emporium as well as a theatre facility. It is owned by a local entrepreneur, Muhammed Jah, who has already hinted that the launch of a shopping mall will come next.
A report said the Information Ministry presented the official license for QTV’s operation a day to the launch. It is believed that the facility will provide hundreds of job opportunities for Gambians.
The Gambia used to have media rights problems during the era of former leader, Yahya Jammeh. But President Barrow has vowed to respect the media.
Journalists were often arrested and held without trial while some also reportedly went missing. Now, some activists have launched an appeal for the government to probe the crimes committed against journalists during Yahya Jammeh’s twenty-two year reign.
