By Mackie M. Jalloh
The Sierra Leone Broadcasters Association (SiLBA) has officially commenced its National Membership Certification Exercise, beginning in the Southern Region, in a move aimed at strengthening institutional identity, accountability, and unity among registered radio stations across the country.
Delivering the opening and welcome remarks, the Regional Vice President of SiLBA Southern Region underscored the importance of the certification process, describing it as a defining moment for broadcasting institutions in the region. He welcomed representatives from various radio stations and commended them for their continued commitment to professionalism despite the challenges confronting the media landscape.
SiLBA President Stanley Bangura Jr., in his address, confirmed that the certification initiative will be rolled out nationwide but deliberately commenced in the Southern Region as part of a phased implementation strategy. He explained that the distribution of official membership certificates is designed to formally recognize duly registered radio stations under the Association, similar to how institutions issue identification cards to their staff to affirm status and affiliation.
“The purpose of this exercise is to ensure that only properly registered and recognized radio stations operate under the SiLBA umbrella,” Bangura emphasized. “We are members of the International Home of Journalists, and that global affiliation demands structure, accountability, and credible membership records.”
He urged all radio station owners and practitioners who are not yet formally registered with SiLBA to complete their registration process to benefit from full recognition, representation, and institutional protection.
“This certification exercise is not just about issuing documents,” he stated. “It is about reinforcing legitimacy, structure, and solidarity within our broadcasting family. SiLBA cannot exist or stand without its membership. You are the backbone of this Association.”
He noted that the recent unfortunate incident on January 9, 2026, in which two radio stations were gutted by fire on the same day, served as a painful reminder of the vulnerabilities media institutions face. According to him, such events demonstrate the need for stronger collective mechanisms, including the proposed SiLBA Equipment Fund, which is intended to support member stations in times of crisis.
Stations that received their official membership certificates and expressed satisfaction with the exercise included Kiss 104, All Out Radio, MoDCA Radio, Voice of Fenale Radio, Ahmadiyya Radio, Zimmi Radio, Heart Radio, Imperri Radio, Malen Radio, Fountain of Peace Radio, Voice of Faith, and Moonlight Radio.
In his closing remarks, the Regional Vice President congratulated all certified stations and thanked members for their presence and cooperation. He reiterated SiLBA’s commitment to unity, professionalism, and resilience within the broadcasting sector, assuring members that the Association will continue to advocate for their collective interests nationwide.
