-PUL President Exposes the Harsh Reality of Journalism, as Pres. Boakai recommits to press freedom at Presidential Media Dinner
By Jerromie S. Walters
Congo Town, Liberia – In an appeal to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai at his administration’s first Presidential Media Dinner, Press Union of Liberia (PUL) President Julius Kanubah laid bare the crisis gripping the nation’s media: collapsing revenues, government ad debts, and political interference threatening the survival of journalism.
While acknowledging Liberia’s progress in press freedom, Kanubah revealed that media houses face severe financial strain, with advertising revenues plummeting and the government owing significant debts to media entities. This crisis has led to dire consequences for working journalists, with many receiving salaries so meager.
“Advertising revenues have significantly fallen, affecting the operations of media entities, the quality of journalism, and crucially the welfare and conditions of work of journalists and media workers, whose take-home pay, if available, cannot take them home, in most instances,” Kanubah stated.
He believes that the situation has worsened following the near-total withdrawal of USAID’s media development programs, leaving a gap in capacity building and institutional support. “The near-total departure of USAID, especially its media development intervention, has created a very big vacuum, impacting the capacity building and institutional strengthening of the media across Liberia. We hope the government can assume some of those shocks.”
Kanubah also raised concerns about growing political interference in media operations, particularly regarding community radio stations facing pressure from county superintendents. “Mr. President, Community Radio Stations—vital sources of information in our counties—are increasingly facing interference from some County Superintendents. This undermines their independence and jeopardizes their ability to serve our communities effectively..”
He called for the transformation of the Liberia Broadcasting System into a genuine public service broadcaster that represents all Liberian voices rather than serving as a government mouthpiece. “Transforming the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS) into a true public service broadcaster is essential. LBS should epitomize accountability, serving not just the government’s interests but also the diverse voices of all Liberians.”
The media leader emphasized the fundamental importance of upholding the rule of law, warning that both press freedom and anti-corruption efforts depend on its consistent application. “Mr President, if there is anything your government must not compromise is the issue of the rule of law. Respect for and adherence to the rule of law is essentially critical to keeping the peace and enhancing the development of our country. Let’s respect the rule of law and let’s use the rule of law to fight corruption,” he added.
Furthermore, he noted, “Our administration at the PUL has a vision to restore and enhance the integrity and credibility of the institution of journalism and media. To do so, requires a concerted effort, working with your administration in upholding press freedom and free speech and expression. As Kanubah concluded, he duplicated President Boakai’s own words with a pointed adaptation: “It is time to think the media, love the media, and build the media.”
Boakai recommits to press freedom
Addressing journalists, editors, and media stakeholders at the EJS Ministerial Complex on Thursday night, President Boakai framed press freedom not as a privilege but as the lifeblood of Liberia’s democracy—a tradition he vowed to expand, not erode.
His words: “Criticism is not a threat to democracy; it is its essence,” he said. “We will not shy away from your questions; we will listen. We will not stifle dissenting voices; we will engage with them.” However, Liberia ranks 76th on RSF’s 2024 Press Freedom Index.
Boakai reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to the Table Mountain Declaration, an African-led initiative to abolish criminal defamation laws and protect journalists. He also highlighted concrete steps taken by his administration, including: Strengthening the Commission on Information, a new body ensuring government transparency and public access to facts.
He also referenced the enforcement of the Freedom of Information Act and guaranteed citizens’ right to hold leaders accountable. The President vowed to uphold the Abdullah K. Abdullah Act, a law shielding journalists from arbitrary arrests—a tribute to one of Liberia’s bravest fallen media practitioners.
Growth Amid Challenges
Since Boakai took office, he claimed that Liberia has seen a surge in media registrations, signaling a thriving—and critical—press landscape. Yet, challenges remain: misinformation, journalist safety, and uneven professionalism across counties. “Our journey is far from over,”* Boakai admitted. *”But tonight, let us celebrate how far we’ve come.”
The President framed the dinner as the start of a deeper dialogue between his government and the media, urging collaboration over conflict. “Let us build a society where facts and traditional values coexist,” he said, “where the media thrives, and where government and press move together—for Liberia’s future.”
