Malik Jones, Veteran Broadcaster
Press Release from Gambia Press Union
Renowned broadcaster, Malik Jones, who’s death was announced early Tuesday, Jan. 30 by his family, was laid to rest at the Jeshwang Cemetery last evening.
Jones, who had more than 40 years of broadcasting experience, began his career as an Announcer in 1980 at Radio Gambia (the State Broadcaster).
He later became Producer, Senior Producer, and a Principal Producer before being appointed Deputy Director General of The Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS) in 2011.
In 2012, he became GRTS’ acting Director General and moved on to serve as Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Information and Communication Infrastructure (MOICI) in February 2013.
He returned to GRTS as Director General for about three months from December 2016 to February 2017 before he was redeployed as Deputy Permanent Secretary at MOICI.
A Prolific Football Commentator with a legendary voice, Jones was part of the BBC team of commentators in South Africa for the 2010 World Cup.
His latest live football commentary included Gambia’s final match against Congo in Morocco during the AFCON 2023 Qualifiers (#AFCONQ2023). He recently returned from Ivory Coast where he commentated on Gambia’s matches at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nation (#AFCON23).
He was a Political Commentator and TV Host on Election Nights in The Gambia. He also served as Media and PR Consultant and taught broadcast journalism at Insight Training Center in Churchill’s Town. He was also a Content Director at Star TV and as well provided content for AfriRadio.
His demise is a great loss to the Gambian media and the country at large.
We extend our condolences to his family and pray to Allah to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss. May Allah grant him Jannah.