Two newly established media outlets in Sierra Leone, Truth Media and G8 Media Group have had their broadcast frequencies withdrawn by authorities just days before their planned launches.
Both entities had completed preparations to begin operations, with major investments already in place.
Truth Media, co-owned by journalist Amadu Lamrana Bah, lost its frequency on the eve of its opening.
Sources familiar with the situation say the decision followed internal concerns within government circles that labeled Bah as overly critical and aligned with a so-called โregime change agenda.โ
A similar claim was reportedly used to justify the action against G8 Media Group.
The move has raised concern among media stakeholders, who view it as an attempt to silence independent voices under the pretext of political threat.
No formal public statement has been issued by the regulatory body, but the targeting of specific individuals and institutions based on perceived political views has added to the growing unease around media independence in the country.
