By Perry B. Zordyu
Buchanan – Grand Bassa County is celebrating a historic milestone as one of its own, King Brown, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Investigative Reporting Prize at this year’s New Narratives Prize Ceremony.
Brown, a senior reporter and talk show host at Magic FM, also contributes to News Public Trust and Spoon TV/Radio. His award-winning work focuses on how national decisions affect the lives of everyday Liberians—especially students and educators in underserved communities.
The award was presented by Kerstin Jonsson Cissé, Sweden’s Head of Development Cooperation, and recognizes Brown’s outstanding commitment to local journalism and to amplifying the voices of ordinary people. The honor is not only a personal achievement but a proud moment for a county that has often been overlooked in national media narratives.
“This recognition puts a spotlight on the vital issues affecting rural communities and reinforces the importance of community-driven journalism,” said one local media colleague.
A reporting fellow with New Narratives since 2022, Brown has used investigative storytelling to draw national attention to the persistent challenges in Grand Bassa’s education sector—including school infrastructure gaps, under-resourced teachers, and policy oversights.
Brown is also a student of Education at Grand Bassa University, exemplifying the very value of education that he so often champions in his reporting. His commitment to lifelong learning, both in the classroom and in the newsroom, serves as an inspiration to many young people across the county.
Perhaps most impactful is Brown’s work behind the scenes. He has been a mentor to aspiring journalists in Grand Bassa, helping to build a new generation of storytellers dedicated to holding power to account and highlighting local voices.
“By investing in local talent and sharing his knowledge, King is not just telling Grand Bassa’s story—he’s ensuring that the story continues to be told,” said a representative of New Narratives.
The recognition of Brown’s work sends a powerful message: quality journalism can thrive anywhere—even in communities often overlooked by mainstream media.
The Swedish Embassy praised all journalists in Liberia for their role in promoting public awareness and accountability, reaffirming Sweden’s long-standing commitment to press freedom and democratic development.
