In a well-delivered speech at the recent dinner organized by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai with the Liberian media, Press Union of Liberia (PUL) President, Julius Kanubah did not mince his words in underscoring the many challenges confronting the local media, some of which are caused by the government itself.
While recognizing that Liberia has made significant progress in respecting press freedom and free speech, Mr. Kanubah alarmed that the media remains severely challenged, both in terms of human and financial resources.
The PUL President pointed out that advertising revenues have significantly fallen, thus 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.
He indicated that existing advertisers such as the government, in addition to reducing the level of advertising, remain hugely indebted to media entities, thereby undermining the operational capability and viability of the media to sustain the costs of production.
He furthered that 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, adding: “We hope the government can assume some of those shocks.” Mr. Kanubah also decried the high level of interference of government in the affairs of the media, specifically at the level of community radios by counties’ superintendents.
“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. We urge your administration to protect these broadcasters and uphold their right to operate free from political interference or influence.”
The head of the journalism community in Liberia also reminded the government of a long-standing commitment of transforming the state-owned Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS) into a true public service broadcaster.
Mr. Kanubah, a former employee at LBS for many years, maintained that LBS should epitomize accountability, serving not just the government’s interests but also the diverse voices of all Liberians. Underscoring the essentiality of this transformation, Mr. Kanubah believes that this shift is crucial for fostering an informed citizenry and enhancing democratic participation.
“Our administration at the PUL has a vision to restore and enhance the integrity and credibility of the institution of journalism and media. To do so, requires a concerted effort, working with your administration in upholding press freedom and free speech and expression.”
As he closed his remarks standing ovation from the crowd, the PUL President reminded the Unity Party (UP) led administration headed by President Boakai to uphold the rule of law.
This, he noted, is essentially critical to keeping the peace and enhancing the development of our country. “Finally, Mr President, if there is anything your government must not compromise is the issue of the rule of law. Respect for and adherence to the rule of law is essentially critical to keeping the peace and enhancing the development of our country. Let’s respect the rule of law and let’s use the rule of law to fight corruption. As I take my seat, His Excellency, permit me to rephrase your wisdom. It is time: We Think the Media. Love the Media. And Build the Media.”
