By: Mohamed Sahr
In a bid to promote a fair, equitable, and balanced public service broadcaster as outlined in Recommendation 77 of the Tripartite Recommendations, the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) Sierra Leone, with support from the European Union and BBC Media Action, held a consultative stakeholders’ engagement on the review of the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) Act.
The engagement brought together political parties, civil society organizations, media stakeholders, and national institutions at the 50/50 Building, Tower Hill, Freetown.
Dr. Francis Sowa Esq, National Coordinator of MRCG, stated that the organization is one of three local partners involved in the Media Empowerment, Inclusion, and Responsibility Project in Sierra Leone. He explained that the stakeholder engagement aligns with Recommendation 77 of the Tripartite Recommendations, which highlights the need for equal access to the public service broadcaster by political parties.
“This gathering is within the context of the Tripartite Recommendations,” Dr. Sowa noted.
He further emphasized that the MRCG’s role includes compiling reports from all consultative engagements held nationwide. Dr. Sowa confirmed that an independent resource person has been appointed to collect stakeholder input and help review the SLBC Act accordingly.
Dr. Victor Massaquoi, Chairman of the Independent Media Commission (IMC) Advisory Board, highlighted the importance of addressing existing gaps within the SLBC Act to ensure it meets the standards of a modern public service broadcaster.
He praised MRCG for championing the review process and promoting inclusive media reform across the country.
Dr. Williette James, Chairperson of SLBC, underscored the importance of aligning the review with international best practices, particularly models adopted in other African nations. She emphasized the need for non-negotiable governance safeguards in the revised Act.
“The public service broadcaster is for the public good, not for the government,” Dr. James asserted.
She encouraged the use of practical tools in the review process and pledged SLBC’s full cooperation with MRCG to ensure a successful outcome.
Chernor Bah, Minister of Information and Civic Education, commended MRCG for its proactive role in reviewing the SLBC. He reiterated the government’s commitment to media freedom and reforms, citing a 91% score on the Freedom of Information Index by the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).
“President Bio is fully committed to expanding the media and civic space,” Minister Bah stated, affirming the government’s support for the review of the SLBC Act.
Diana Njeru, Director of BBC Media Action, noted that the review aims to achieve a more digital, accurate, and robust coverage of parliamentary proceedings and cultural diversity. She expressed the BBC Media Action’s commitment to supporting the review process through ongoing partnerships.
Manika Kamara, President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), referred to the review as a continuation of efforts to establish professional media standards, including editorial policies.
A representative from the European Union highlighted the critical role an independent public service broadcaster plays in a functioning democracy. He emphasized the value of media plurality, freedom of expression, and unbiased dissemination of information.
“Public service media ensures citizens receive impartial information, promotes the rule of law, and strengthens democratic governance,” he noted. He further emphasized the right of citizens to access information freely and without fear.
Essentially, Recommendation 77 of the Tripartite Recommendations calls for a comprehensive review of the SLBC Act to enhance its role as a truly independent public service broadcaster in Sierra Leone.