By Fatima Kpaka
The Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah on Thursday officiated the launch of the Sierra Leone Broadcasters’ Association (SiLBA) at the Brookfields Hotel in Freetown. As a seasoned broadcaster himself, Minister Bah announced his intention to formally register as a member of SiLBA, demonstrating his commitment to supporting and promoting the interests of broadcasters in Sierra Leone.
SiLBA, a non-profit organization incorporated in Sierra Leone two years ago at the Corporate Affairs Commission, aims to serve as a national umbrella association for broadcasters. The organization’s key objectives include safeguarding the rights, collective interests, and welfare of broadcasters, as well as improving their professional well-being and outputs.
During his keynote address at the launch event, Minister Bah underscored the crucial role that broadcast media plays in civic and public education in Sierra Leone and globally. He emphasized the significance of radio as the most trusted source of information in the country and highlighted its pivotal role in driving development initiatives. The Minister also acknowledged the challenges faced by community radio stations, particularly regarding access to energy, and revealed plans to collaborate with donor partners like the World Bank to provide solar energy solutions across communities for effective broadcasting nationwide.
Furthermore, Minister Bah discussed the unique ownership structure of media institutions in Sierra Leone, where they are predominantly owned by media practitioners rather than businesses. He identified this characteristic as a potential challenge for media viability and announced government efforts to work with partners to promote policies that support sustainable media operations in the country. He reassured the media fraternity of President Julius Maada Bio’s commitment to enhancing media transparency, viability, and professionalism in Sierra Leone.
Stanley Bangura Junior, Chairman of SiLBA, welcomed over 50 radio and television stations as the organization’s founding members. He outlined SiLBA’s vision for an inclusive, competitive, and sustainable media environment that prioritizes professional standards and addresses the needs and welfare of broadcasters and electronic media institutions in Sierra Leone. Bangura articulated SiLBA’s mission to promote unity, cooperation, professionalism, and best practices among broadcasters while advocating for a free and responsible broadcast media environment.
SiLBA’s broad-based objectives encompass initiatives such as advancing the interests and welfare of member stations, addressing critical national broadcasting issues, promoting media sustainability and profitability, supporting content creation and technology innovation, facilitating training opportunities for career growth, and networking with global entities to advocate for the Association’s interests at various levels.
Eastina Taylor, President of Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL), lauded the establishment of SiLBA as a significant milestone in the media landscape. She emphasized the importance of gender diversity and encouraged SiLBA members to collaborate with female practitioners to enhance broadcast media in the country.
Donald Theo Harding, Chairman of the Guild of Newspaper Editors, expressed support for SiLBA and pledged coordination with the organization to promote media advocacy in Sierra Leone. Edward Kargbo of BBC Media Action reiterated the organization’s commitment to supporting media development in Sierra Leone and overcoming emerging challenges in the media landscape.
The launch of the Sierra Leone Broadcasters’ Association marks a pivotal moment in the country’s media industry, with stakeholders coming together to strengthen professionalism, promote collaboration, and advocate for media viability. The event garnered positive feedback from representatives of various media organizations, highlighting the importance of promoting professional journalism and combating misinformation in the digital age. The future looks promising for SiLBA as it endeavors to uplift broadcasters, enhance broadcasting standards, and contribute to the vibrant media landscape of Sierra Leone.