The President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, and his executive recently paid a visit to President Julius Maada Bio. During this visit, Nasralla made a thought-provoking statement acknowledging the media’s contribution to Sierra Leone’s challenges. He emphasized that while the media often reflects the problems afflicting society, it can also be a powerful force for positive change.
In his address to President Maada Bio, Nasralla candidly admitted that the media, both traditional and new, has been complicit in amplifying Sierra Leone’s problems. He highlighted how the media sometimes promotes hate instead of love, fosters conflict instead of dialogue and peace, and disseminates misinformation and disinformation rather than accurate news. Furthermore, Nasralla recognized that the media tends to focus on negativity, overlooking potential and opportunity within the country.
Nasralla acknowledged a concerning trend within the media industry – the alignment with politicians and the subsequent abandonment of its own mission. He lamented that media platforms have essentially been used as tools by politicians, leading journalists to fight battles on their behalf. This has resulted in biased reporting that compromises the media’s integrity and undermines its true purpose of informing the public objectively.
However, Nasralla also highlighted the media’s potential as a catalyst for positive change. He expressed his belief that if the media can overcome these challenges and fulfill its true role, it could effectively address half of the country’s issues. Nasralla stressed the importance of getting the media right, emphasizing that a responsible and ethical media can become a crucial component in solving the challenges faced by Sierra Leone.
The SLAJ President highlighted the commendable role of the media in the recent elections, thanks to collaboration between media and Civil Society stakeholders, as well as support from international partners. Initiatives such as the I-Verify platform and the Super News Room helped improve access to credible information and countered disinformation, fake news, and hate speech.
Furthermore, he said SLAJ has launched their own media manifesto, outlining the framework for future intervention in Sierra Leone’s media landscape. They will also be launching a gender equality policy for the media, thanks to support from Irish Aid. As part of their commitment to transparency, SLAJ invited the Anti-Corruption Commission to conduct a review and provide recommendations, which will be presented at the upcoming AGM.
Naralla said through the media viability and investment conference, SLAJ has established structures for a National Fund for Public Interest Media (NaFPIM), with initial funding from the International Fund for Public Interest Media (IFPIM). They are awaiting counterpart funding from the government.
The SLAJ President expressed gratitude for the government’s reforms in the media sector, including the repeal of the criminal and seditious libel law. However, there is still work to be done in terms of press freedom and freedom of expression for all Sierra Leoneans.
Acknowledging the new Ministry of Information combined with Civic Education, the SLAJ President commended the young ministers appointed to drive this mandate and their commitment to aligning government communication with the realities of the times. The integration of civic education is seen as a means to develop law-abiding citizens and promote responsible use of social media.
The SLAJ President also raised the need for strengthened Internet bandwidth to ensure reliable connectivity and access to information for all citizens. This would contribute to good governance, participatory democracy, media advertising, and job opportunities for young people. The SLAJ President commended the government for not interfering in their work and urged support for the IMC to collaborate effectively with SLAJ and other media stakeholders.
In closing, the SLAJ President mentioned ongoing fact-checking of statements made during President Bio’s campaign and expressed hope that the findings would be available by the next presidential media cocktail.
The SLAJ President thanked President Bio for his time and consideration.
