Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Alhaji Manika Kamara, has called for the transformation of the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) into a truly independent public service broadcaster that serves the interest of all citizens.
Kamara made this call while speaking during consultations on the review of the SLBC Act 2010, adding that reforming the national broadcaster is both a critical media reform issue and a democratic imperative.
He stressed that SLAJ wants an SLBC that does not serve governments, political parties, or vested interests, but guarantees fair access, diverse voices, and quality programming that will strengthen democracy and promote national cohesion.
According to Kamara, the review process is a continuation of SLAJ’s long-standing reform journey, including the repeal of the criminal libel law, the media viability agenda, and broader media freedom initiatives.
“An empowered SLBC will inspire growth across the wider media landscape by setting high standards of professionalism, editorial independence, and public accountability,” he said. “It will also ensure improved conditions of service for our colleagues and other media workers employed there.”
Kamara pledged SLAJ’s full support to the reform process and urged Parliament and government to ensure that the new SLBC Act delivers the independent, professional, and truly public broadcaster Sierra Leone deserves.
He also commended the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) and partners for convening the consultation, and the European Union for supporting the process through the Media Empowerment for Democracy, Inclusion and Accountability (MEDIA) project, implemented in Sierra Leone by MRCG with support from BBC Media Action.
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