By Mabinty M. Kamara
In a bid to enhance media partnerships, the Media owners and managers in Sierra Leone have called on the telecommunication company to extend its usual support to the media through training opportunities in specialized reporting among others.
The call came during a media engagement with the management and staff of Orange Sierra Leone held last Monday in Freetown. Speaking at the meeting, Lawrence Williams a media Proprietor and Editor of Freetown Post Newspaper commended the existing relationship between the media and the company over the years while calling for an expansion of the relationship to make it more beneficial.
Responding on behalf of the media, Williams expressed appreciation to Orange for their continued support to the media and urged them to extend their partnership with other media houses.
Recognizing the journalist’s role as a conveyer of accurate information to the masses, he said the platform not only fosters trust and credibility but also demonstrates the company’s commitment to keeping the media and the public informed.
“Over the years, OSL has made significant contributions to the local media. They have provided support to our umbrella organization, SLAJ, sponsored and co-sponsored numerous media events and initiatives, supported the Journalism Welfare Fund, provided millions in financial support to both print and electronic media via advertisements, and much more,” he said.
Williams recognized the critical role of the media, saying it has the power to make or break a brand; “and that’s why businesses need to cultivate a robust partnership with the media to foster trust and credibility.”
“The media serves as a powerful bridge, linking Orange to its customers, shareholders, and the wider public. Through the media, Orange can effectively convey its values, initiatives, and accomplishments, thereby enhancing its brand reputation and ensuring a robust market presence. Through its partnership with the media, Orange has been able to increase its visibility, reach a broader audience, raise awareness about its products and services, attract new customers, and entrench brand loyalty,” he said.
Therefore, he called for training opportunities and sponsorship, Collaboration on Content Creation, Increasing Advertisements, and expansion of Partnership Base.
“Orange Media Compact. I humbly propose, for your consideration, the establishment of an Orange Media Compact, with the primary objective of providing direct seed money to media institutions that meet certain criteria. Such a groundbreaking initiative, in my view, would not only empower media outlets but also contribute to a thriving media industry. By investing in the media, you are also investing in the future, and nurturing a generation of talented journalists and content creators,” he said.
In his statement, Alpha Bondo, Director of Sales at Orange, acknowledged the remarkable contributions and support the company had gained from its partnership with the media in promoting its brand. He highlighted their activities and programmes designed to meet their customers’ satisfaction, and assured members of the press that they would provide the needed services for their customers.
The head of media and Public Relations at Orange SL Kamal Abass highlighted the achievements of the Company and commended their members for their commitment, stressing that Orange-SL has played a significant role in the economic development of Sierra Leone, being one of the major employers in Sierra Leone, noting that they have supported the installation of solar power in 84% of their sites.
In the educational sector, he recalled the renovation of the Beamy Primary School, which was spearheaded by their Chief Executive Officer, Shekou Amadu Bah, as well as the early learning centres established across the country.
Speaking on behalf of the Orange Foundation, Madam Memunatu Sesay underscored that the Orange Foundation seeks to help the less-privileged in the country. She added that they have been rendering their unflinching support to organizations like the SOS Children’s Village and other less privileged homes.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (22/12/23)
