By Newman Anthony Levey in Bo
The Independent Media Commission (IMC), an institution that regulates and monitors the operations of media institutions in Sierra Leone, has ended a two-day retreat at the Galiness paradise conference Hall in Bo.
In his opening statement, the new IMC Chairman, Dr. Victor Massaquoi said as the new head of the institution, there is every need for him to engage with the stakeholders to learn about the structure, existing system, procedures, and plans of the institution for the next three years.
Dr. Massaquoi acknowledged the work of the commission’s Executive Secretary Khalil Kallon whom he said has worked tremendously over the long years spent in the institution.
Commissioner IMC Rev. Dr. Suma who chaired the retreat said the event was timely and an opportunity for the public to understand what the IMC does in terms of ensuring professional and chaos-free media in the country.
Speaking about the relationship between the IMC and the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), its President, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla said IMC was created because of SLAJ in 2000 the Minister of Information and Communications then, wanted a body that regulates the media. He said he was happy because IMC has 11 commissioners seven of whom were nominated by SLAJ and that the President accepted all their nominees to serve on the IMC board.
He explained that most of the cases reported at the IMC have to do with professional misconduct, noting that the IMC then invites the media house instead of the journalist involved. However, he said SLAJ does contrary as they hold the individual journalist responsible for their actions.
Nasralla said SLAJ and IMC will continue to maintain a good relationship as they're all moving towards the same goal.
On his part, Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai Esq one of the newly appointed commissioners’ representing civil society on the IMC board said that the media and journalists are part of Democracy. He noted that for a nation to be regarded as democratic there should be a free press and space and Freedom of expression and that at the same time, democracy should be balanced with responsible journalism
“I keep on telling people that civil society cannot do their work if the media and journalists are not there. If there is no freedom of expression in the country then you will not get civil society,” he said.
He added: “So it was good that they included the representative of the civil society on the commission when drafting the new IMC Act. Our role is to ensure that freedom of expression is protected. And to talk to our colleagues in the media to understand that we have to be responsible.”
The retreat captured many issues for the development of the media in Sierra Leone. The IMC’s special edition tilted the “IMC-SL Media Watch” on complaints and rulings was also launched by the President of SLAJ. The document also contains a list of registered media institutions in the country.
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