By Politico staff writer
The Minister of Information has said in Freetown that 80% of the people of Sierra Leone still regard radio as their trusted source of news despite the popularity of other channels of communication.
Chernor Bah was delivering the keynote statement on the theme charting the course for independent media development, at the launch of the Sierra Leone Broadcasters’ Association, SiLBA at the New Brookfields Hotel on Thursday July4. 2024. He described the idea of having an association of this nature as “wonderful” and expressed the government's commitment to support broadcasters throughout Sierra Leone.
According to Bah, President Bio’s government is exploring ways to make renewable energy sources available to, particularly community radio broadcasters in rural areas that are struggling to stay on air because of the high cost of running electricity generators.
In his welcome address, the chairman of SLiBA said the association was formed to operate as an affiliate of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists with a specific mandate to seek the welfare of all broadcasters in Sierra Leone. Stanley Bangura Jr. said SLiBA intends to collaborate and not compete with all other media groups in Sierra Leone. He called on all broadcasting organizations to join the association.
Earlier, the chairman for the occasion, BBC journalist Umaru Fofana told the gathering that the Sierra Leone media sector is in “crisis – broadcasters are fighting for survival in their business.” He said many radio stations cannot break even in these challenging economic times. He urged broadcasters to explore innovative ways of delivering their content, including making extensive use of podcasts.
55 radio stations from all over the country have so far joined the association.
Copyright © 2024 Politico Online (08/07/24)
