By Alimatu Jalloh
BBC Media Action under the PRIMED Project has on Thursday 20th October 2022 boosted the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Cooperation (SLBC) by handing over a brand new radio studio and two other radio studios which it had refurbished to the Management of SLBC.
The official handing over ceremony took place at the broadcasting house on Jomo Kenyatta Road in Freetown.
Director General of the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), Joseph E. Kapuwa, described the event as remarkable, memorable and historic.
He told all present that the event promoted the Management’s ambition to lift the corporation to a height enviable to all, admirable to the people of Sierra Leone and satisfactory to the staff of the corporation.
“Today is a giant step- a long leap towards meeting universality of service. That is a fundamental principle of public service broadcasting. And that is what we are grappling with- providing a nationwide coverage,” he added.
The DG disclosed that SLBC has transported radio signals to its six regional stations through terrestrial mechanism, and as an alternative, through digital technology using electronic applications such as, radio garden, SLBC Azura Cast, and on Facebook, adding that their flagship program (Morning Coffee) is linked by twenty-one community stations across the country.
He furthered that their TV signal is back on free to air Multi-TV platform. However, he said building infrastructure to carry transmission is what the SLBC cherishes about the BBC Media Action Protecting Independent Media for Effective Development (PRIMED) Project. He noted that the Project seeks to build the professional capacity of the broadcaster, strengthen its administrative practices and calibrate transmission through refurbishment of studios and provision of equipment.
The DG recounted that fifteen years before, there had been one continuity studio on the first floor of the building, while three other studios had been in another bungalow. He added that at the ground floor of the building, there was one air studio and a production room. “If there is a live program on-air studio and you want to record a paid-for programme just about the same, you will have to wait until the end of the live programme to access the studio,” he said.
He revealed that one of the studios will be utilized as on-air studio, one as a recording studio, and another as a production studio, adding that there were two work stations. Among other things, the DG mentioned that while a live program is on, like morning coffee, another programme can no longer wait to be recorded.
He acknowledged that the BBC Media Action is a trusted partner and a true friend. “It is our desire to build upon this relationship to service the information need of our people,” he disclosed.
Country Director, B.B.C Media Action, Dr. Mamoud Tarawallie, spoke highly of the leadership of the SLBC, especially the two heads (DG and DDG). He added that a public trusted media such as the SLBC will enhance development.
He stressed the need to invest in the media in Sierra Leone, adding that the Government of Sierra Leone has competing interest and cannot be able to adequately invest in the media.
Dr. Tarawallie, disclosed that plans are underway to establish a national fund for public interest media. However, he mentioned the need for new regulations for the media, which will in turn enhance media viability and quality content production. “When that happens, our democracy will be strengthened,” he opined.
He further stressed the need for investment on the State Broadcaster, as the country’s general election draws nearer.
Deputy Development Director UK Aid, Antini Boasiako, opined that the media enhances prosperity and stability in a nation. She added that the media facilitates much needed constructive dialogue. “The right to information is essential, and it is our hope that the SLBC will contribute to the above mentioned process,” she furthered.
Deputy Minister of Information and Communication, Solomon Jamiru (ESQ), acknowledged the role which the media plays in the socio-political and economic development in Sierra Leone. Minister Jamiru spoke of the need for the media to not only be free, but also viable.