The Press Union Of Liberia (PUL) last Wednesday officially launched a new application intended to among other things fast track attacks against Liberian journalists.
Under the canopy, Crime Reporting App, the new technology to be use by all journalists, will help track attacks as well as crimes meted against members of the fourth estate during the discharge of their respective duties.
Speaking at the official launching program on the President of the PUL Charles Coffey encouraged his members to make maximum use of the application for the betterment of the sector.
He said initially when attacks were discovered it took them time to analyze before taking the necessary action but with the new application, it is a clear manifestation that it will help fast strike the process unlike before.
Mr. Coffey while appreciating partners such as VOSHEDA and the University Of Liberia among others for the support towards the successful launch of the new platform also stated that with the new application, it will help them easily through various reportage by jour to identify the type of crime committed against them including where it took place.
“We will make use of technology to ensure that we adequately seek your welfare especially the protection of our members “, the PUL Boss assured his colleagues.
At the same time , Mr. Coffey urged his members to make sure that they provide information with facts and to as well come to the aid for their colleagues in times of crisis, adding that the solidarity should continue at all times.
“Fast track information involving your colleagues especially when they are attacked and by that , we will have pieces of real time evidence to pursue the matter”, he admonished members of the press.
According to him when the conveyer belt of information, the journalists are attacked, it also affects the larger society because they will not be in the right frame of mind to further convey messages including information to the general population as such their safety is very important and their rights should be respected and protected by duty bearers.
Also speaking at the launching program was veteran Liberian journalist Jonathan Paylaleh who commended the PUL for such a historic event which he encouraged them to be recorded in their archive.
The BBC Correspondent in Liberia urged reporters not to use the new application to violate the rights of others but to ensure that they use it to help guide them in the discharge of their duties.
He at the same time challenged officials at the PUL not to use the app just to track multiple attacks but to work on pursuing them and ensure those perpetrators are brought to face the full weight of the law.
“Pursue those cases and stand firm when they are reported “, he maintained.
His statement was buttressed by the head of the Global News Network (GNN), publisher of www.gnnliberia.com, Joel Cholo Brooks who also reminded reporters to be objective at all times in exercising their professional duty.
Mr. Brooks speaking further said, “Do your professional best as always because the world is watching us”, he added.
As for the Secretary General of the Reporters Association of Liberia (RAL) Mark Mengonfia he described the launch of the crime reporting app for Liberian journalists as timely ahead of the General election.
Mark use the occasion to encourage his colleagues to be very professional and careful when executing their reportorial duties especially during these critical times
“I want to use this medium to call on the President to make public the recommendations from the Bropleh committee’s report which will serve as a good start going forward”, Mr. Mengonfia stressed.
Created by the Touch Technology Group, the Crime Reporting App which is now available to journalists via xender especially those who attended the launch is also expected to be on play store within 42 hours following the official launch on Wednesday February 2, 2022.
According to the Chief Executive Officer of Touch Technology Group Nimpson Flomo , the App is effective and once installed on a phone or computer including other electronic gadgets can automatically broadcast to others who are in the network especially when a crime is reported by a journalist.
“It is good for the sector and will help guide and protect each and every reporter”, he added.
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