By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The launch of the Media Empowerment for Democracy, Inclusion, and Accountability (MEDIA) Project in Sierra Leone has been met with optimism and excitement, especially from the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ).
At the ceremony, SLAJ President, Ahmed Sahid Nasrallah, expressed gratitude and enthusiasm for the initiative, which promises significant advancements for the media sector in the country, particularly for female and young journalists.
In his keynote address, the SLAJ president emphasized the critical importance of the MEDIA Project, funded by the European Union and implemented by several international and local media partners, including BBC Media Action, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), and the World Association of News Publishers.
The project aims to strengthen press freedom, enhance media professionalism, and boost public interest journalism in Sierra Leone.
“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 for spearheading its implementation,” the SLAJ President stated. “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 President highlighted that the MEDIA Project is more than just an intervention—it is a strategic investment to create a more robust, independent, and responsible media environment to align directly with SLAJ’s long-standing efforts to promote transparency, accountability, and inclusive democratic participation within the country’s media sector.
As part of the project, SLAJ will receive dedicated technical assistance and financial support to strengthen its institutional capacity. Such, in turn, will enhance the organization’s ability to advocate for media reforms, improve working conditions for journalists, and bolster efforts to ensure the safety of media practitioners.
The project aims to create an environment where journalism thrives and plays a pivotal role in Sierra Leone’s democratic development.
A key feature of the MEDIA project is its support for community radio stations, particularly through the Independent Radio Network (IRN), which consists of a vast network of local stations, to be empowered to produce and distribute programming focused on governance, accountability, and civic engagement.
According to the SLAJ President, this programming will ensure that citizens, particularly women and youth, have access to independent, reliable information. “For IRN, this project provides invaluable support in producing content that strengthens citizens’ engagement with key democratic processes,” he said. “It will empower communities with the knowledge they need to hold their leaders accountable.”
In addition to its community radio initiatives, the MEDIA project also aims to advance media reform and policy advocacy through the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG).
The project will address key policy discussions, including tax incentives for media sustainability, reforms to the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), and the push for the inclusion of Chapter 12 in the constitutional review process. These policy efforts are crucial to fostering a regulatory environment that supports the sustainability and independence of the media in Sierra Leone.
One of the most exciting components of the MEDIA project is the establishment of the iVerify fact-checking platform within SLAJ. Such an initiative is designed to combat misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech- pressing challenges that threaten democratic discourse and social cohesion. By increasing media literacy, particularly through social media content and training programs, the project will empower citizens to critically engage with information, fostering a more informed and discerning public.
The project’s focus on supporting young and female journalists is also particularly noteworthy.
The SLAJ president emphasized that sustainability, diversity, and professionalism in media leadership are critical for the future of the industry. Through the MEDIA project, young journalists will receive mentorship and training, while female journalists will be given leadership opportunities to empower them play a more prominent role in shaping the media landscape.
“The MEDIA project recognizes that diversity in media leadership is crucial,” the SLAJ President stated. “By providing training, mentorship, and leadership opportunities for women journalists, we are making sure that they have a seat at the table, helping to shape the future of Sierra Leone’s media sector.”
As the MEDIA project progresses, the SLAJ president expressed confidence that it will have a lasting impact on media professionalism, transparency, and civic participation in Sierra Leone.
He also reiterated the importance of collaboration among international and local partners to ensure the success of the initiative.
“We remain fully committed to the success of this project,” he said. “Together, we will work to strengthen independent journalism, enhance civic participation, and foster a sustainable media ecosystem in Sierra Leone.”
With the launch of this important project, the future of Sierra Leone’s media sector looks brighter, as it moves toward greater professionalism, inclusivity, and a stronger role in promoting democratic values in the country.
