By: Trokon Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
Monrovia – The Press Union of Liberia has called on the government to make swift and strategic intervention amid the Trump Administration’s Decision to suspend the operations of the United States Agency for International Development which was helping with capacity building and in a larger sense funding the Liberian media.
Addressing the First Annual Presidential Media Dinner in Congo Town on Thursday evening, the Union’s President Julius Kanubah said while Liberia has made significant progress in respecting press freedom and free speech, the media remains severely challenged, both in terms of human and financial resources.
Advertising revenues have significantly fallen, affecting the operations of media entities, the quality of journalism, and crucially the welfare and conditions of work of journalists and media workers, whose take home pay, if available, cannot take them home, in most instances.
Mr. Kanubah said existing advertisers such as the government, in addition to reducing the level of advertising, remain hugely in debt to media entities, thereby undermining the operational capability and viability of the media to sustain the costs of production.
The near-total departure of USAID, especially its media development intervention, has created a very big vacuum, impacting the capacity building and institutional strengthening of the media across Liberia. We hope the government can assume some of those shocks.
Interference into Community Radio Broadcast
The Press Union of Liberia President reminded President Joseph Boakai that some county superintendents are interfering with the work of community radio stations across the country which he said is undermining the work of the local media.
Mr. President, Community Radio Stations—vital sources of information in our counties—are increasingly facing interference from some County Superintendents. This undermines their independence and jeopardizes their ability to serve our communities effectively.
He urged the administration to protect these broadcasters and uphold their right to operate free from political interference or influence.
Call to Make LBS Public Broadcaster
Meanwhile, the Press Union of Liberia is calling on the government to make state radio ELBC a truly public broadcaster which severs the interest of every Liberian and not just a select few.
“LBS should epitomize accountability, serving not just the government’s interests but also the diverse voices of all Liberians.” He said.
The PUL President noted that this shift is crucial for fostering an informed citizenry and enhancing democratic participation.
