Statement by SLAJ President, Alhaji ManikaKamara on the ‘Consultation on the Review of the SLBC Act’ on 9th September 2025
Opening courtesies….
On behalf of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), I commend the Media Reform Coordinating Group and partners for convening this timely consultation, and the donor EU for supporting such a critical effort.
The transformation of the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) into a truly independent public service broadcaster is a media reform issue as well as a democratic imperative. A strong, independent, and financially autonomous SLBC will serve all citizens, not governments, political parties, or vested interests. It will guarantee fair access, diverse voices, and quality programming that strengthens our democracy and promotes national cohesion.
For us in SLAJ, this process represents a continuation of the journey we started with the repeal of the criminal libel law, the media viability agenda, and the push for media freedom reforms. An empowered SLBC will inspire growth across the wider media landscape by setting high standards of professionalism, editorial independence, and public accountability.
An empowered SLBC will also ensure improved conditions of service for our colleagues and other media workers working there.
We therefore pledge SLAJ’s full support to this reform process and call on all stakeholders, especially Parliament and government, to ensure that the new SLBC Act gives Sierra Leone the public broadcaster it truly deserves.
Thank you.
