See statement below:
It is an honor for me to stand before you today as President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), representing our esteemed Third Party partners—the Independent Radio Network (IRN) and the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG)—at this significant launch of the Media Empowerment for Democracy, Inclusion, and Accountability (MEDIA) Project.
On behalf of SLAJ, IRN, and MRCG, I extend our sincere appreciation to the European Union for funding this initiative, and to the Consortium partners—BBC Media Action, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), and the World Association of News Publishers—for spearheading its implementation. This project comes at a critical time when Sierra Leone’s media landscape is evolving to meet the demands of an informed citizenry, a vibrant democracy, and a sustainable media sector.
The MEDIA Project is more than just an intervention—it is a strategic investment in strengthening press freedom, media professionalism, and public interest journalism in Sierra Leone. It aligns seamlessly with our ongoing efforts to ensure a free, independent, and responsible media sector that fosters transparency, accountability, and inclusive democratic participation.
This project presents a unique opportunity for SLAJ, IRN, and MRCG to build upon our respective mandates and enhance our collective impact. Through dedicated technical assistance and financial support, SLAJ’s institutional and strategic capacity will be significantly strengthened, allowing us to more effectively advocate for media reforms, enhance journalism safety, and improve working conditions for journalists.
IRN, with its expansive network of community radio stations, will be empowered to produce and disseminate governance and accountability-focused programming that ensures citizens, particularly women and youth, have access to reliable, independent information. This will foster a more engaged and informed public, reinforcing the role of the media as a pillar of democracy.
For MRCG, this project provides a timely boost to our work in media reform, media sustainability, and policy advocacy. The inclusion of key policy discussions—such as tax incentives for media sustainability, SLBC reform, and the push for the inclusion of Chapter 12 in the constitutional review process—reinforces our commitment to shaping a media-friendly regulatory environment in Sierra Leone.
One of the most exciting components of this project is the establishment of the iVerify fact-checking platform, housed within SLAJ. This initiative will bolster our fight against misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech—challenges that threaten democratic discourse and social cohesion. By increasing digital and media literacy through social media content and training programs, we will empower citizens to critically engage with information, ensuring a more informed public sphere.
The dedicated support for young and female journalists is particularly commendable. The MEDIA Project recognizes that sustainability, professionalism, and diversity in media leadership are critical to the industry’s future. By providing training, mentorship, and leadership opportunities for women journalists, this initiative will bridge gaps, empower female media practitioners, and promote gender inclusion in our sector.
As we embark on this journey together, SLAJ, IRN, and MRCG remain fully committed to the success of this project. We will work collaboratively with all partners to ensure that the MEDIA Project delivers its intended impact—strengthening independent journalism, enhancing civic participation, and fostering a sustainable media ecosystem in Sierra Leone.
To our international partners, we value your continued support. To our local stakeholders, let us seize this opportunity to drive meaningful change. And to the journalists across Sierra Leone, this is our moment to embrace professionalism, ethics, and innovation as we chart a path towards a more resilient media sector.
Together, let us build a stronger, freer, and more independent media landscape for Sierra Leone.
Thank you.
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Note: The Media Empowerment for Democracy, Inclusion & Accountability (MEDIA) is funded by the European Union through the BBC Media Action, International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), and the World Association of News Publishers.
SLAJ, IRN, and MRCG are the local implementing partners.
