(Dili) Mudansa- The Secretary of State for Social Communication (SECOMS), Expedito Dias Ximene, has announced that they are making efforts to provide subsidies to conventional and online media in Timor-Leste to improve the well-being of journalists. This is a priority plan for the next 120 days.
The goal is to enhance the quality of journalistic products and ensure the well-being of journalists. SECOMS aims to achieve this in the next 120 days by supporting conventional and online media outlets.
Expedito emphasized that during these 120 days, special attention will be given to private media, including online media, in order to directly or indirectly support journalists and enhance the quality of journalistic content in the country. This measure also aims to counter misinformation and improve journalistic standards.
“We are considering various formats, but the objective is to support media outlets, especially private media, in order to improve the well-being of journalists,” said Expedito Dias to journalists after a ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Bairo Pite, Dili, on Saturday, July 1, 2023.
Expedito explained that they will hold discussions to determine the best way to provide this support. While the state media, such as RTTL and Tatoli, have already received funding, private conventional and online media outlets that are not yet registered with the Press Council will be prioritized for the support.
“We will work together with our colleagues in social communication to create a well-designed plan for the development of social communication, and granting subsidies to the media is our priority,” he declared.
Furthermore, Expedito stressed the importance of continuous training and mentioned that CEFTEC (Technical Training Centre for Communication) may be transformed into an institute that offers specialized training for journalists at basic, intermediate, and advanced levels. This is part of the priority plan to enhance journalistic products and support the media.
Journalist: MédiaMudansa
Editor: Orlando Magno
