Name of the programme: Inside Al Shabaab: The extremist group tryingto seize Somalia

Dear Sir/Madam,
Hello All,
Broadcast date: 15 Jun 2022.
I am here to complain about the recent interview Jamal Osman conducted with Al-shabab. I find this report to be a promotion for Al-Shabaab. This demonstrates how irresponsible behaviour of journalists negligently fuelled the events. Journalists like Jamal Osman wished to introduce a fresh new dimension to their stories, as if they were not dramatic enough, and by doing this unnecessarily endangered human lives. What is required is accountability: thinking about the consequences of reporting. This is because Jamal Osman on the 16th of June was interviewed by a (Somali Journalist) and he stated that " Some Somali officials that works for the Somali government have connections with Al-Shabab" I have already seen some Somali officials asking Jamal Osman to bring the evidence of the people that works for the Somali government that have connections with the terrorists. The effect that the mass media can have in promoting terrorism, its perpetrators and whatever vile ideology inspires them. A piece of extremist propaganda might reach tens of thousands of people naturally through their own channels or networks, but the moment a national TV channel publishes it in full then it has a potential reach of tens of millions. We must recognise this as harmful to our society and security.

The reality is that every terrorist we have dealt with has sought inspiration from the propaganda of others, and when they can’t find it on Facebook, YouTube, Telegram or Twitter they only have to turn on the TV, read the paper or go to one of a myriad of mainstream media websites struggling to compete with those platforms.

It’s driving decent people out of the debate and off the internet, creating a permissive environment capable of pushing the most extreme ideologues over the edge. Imagine the report Jamal Osman he said " a third of the country is controlled by Al Shabaab" Jamal Osman or his team are expected not simply to report whatever the terrorists are saying. It is the media's duty to exercise some judgment and scrutinize the terrorists' messages. The media need not play into the hands of terrorism, serving their interests and their political agenda

Society needs to look carefully at itself. We cannot simply hide behind the mantra of freedom of speech. That freedom is not an absolute right, it is not the freedom to cause harm.

I would like to invite editors to debate this with the survivors of terrorism and those of us trying to counter it. To provide terrorists the publicity they need to inform the public about their operations and goals. Indeed, democracy is the best arena for those who wish to reach their ends by violent means. Violent movements and individuals recognize the "democratic catch" - The media amplify and personalize crises. But journalists should strive to resort to responsible terminology that does not help the terrorists in their attempt to undermine the democratic order.

The Journalist is expected to refrain from making dangerous speculations about the terrorists' plans, government response, hostages' messages, and other matters. Speculations might hinder crisis management.

Regards