Monrovia, Liberia – The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) has officially launched a landmark policy regulation to oversee the registration, professional accreditation, and accountability of journalists, media personnel, and institutions across Liberia. The initiative, unveiled at a press conference on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, marks a significant step toward advancing journalistic integrity, media accountability, and the rights of media practitioners in the country.
PUL President Julius Kanubah emphasized that the policy regulation addresses long-standing issues within the Union, including the granting of full membership rights to ineligible individuals and the lack of accountability among practicing journalists. “This policy is a crucial milestone in our efforts to strengthen the media landscape in Liberia. It will guide us in promoting ethical journalism, protecting press freedom, and ensuring the rights of journalists are upheld,” Kanubah stated.
Developed in collaboration with the PUL Membership Committee and supported by media leaders and stakeholders, the policy regulation outlines several key measures to enhance professionalism and transparency within the Union. These include:
– Enforcement of the PUL Constitution, By-Laws, and Code of Ethics: Ensuring all members adhere to established standards of conduct.
– Systematic Registration and Accreditation: Implementing a credible and transparent process for registering and accrediting journalists and media institutions.
– Membership Benefits and Responsibilities: Clearly defining the rights, benefits, and obligations of PUL members.
– Recourse Mechanisms: Establishing fair processes for addressing grievances and appeals related to membership applications.
– Conflict Prevention: Eliminating fraud and disputes in the production of the PUL Membership Register.
Mrs. Winnie Saywah Jimmy, Chair of the PUL Membership Committee and Managing Publisher of the Inquirer Newspaper, pledged a rigorous vetting process for all membership applications. “We will not compromise on enforcing the PUL Constitution, By-Laws, and Code of Ethics. Our goal is to ensure that only qualified and ethical practitioners are granted membership,” she affirmed.
The PUL membership, one of the most respected affiliations in Liberia, offers numerous benefits, including:
– Recognition as a professionally accredited journalist or media practitioner.
– Voting rights and eligibility for leadership positions within the Union.
– Participation in PUL policy-making congresses and decision-making meetings.
– Access to professional development, capacity-building, and networking opportunities.
– Eligibility for prestigious PUL awards recognizing outstanding journalism.
However, journalists, media personnel, or institutions that fail to honor annual membership registration and monthly dues payments will be designated as delinquent, losing their good standing within the Union.
The new policy regulation aligns with Article 15 of the Liberian Constitution and relevant sections of the PUL Constitution, including Articles 2, 4, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, and 19. It also adheres to the Code of Ethics and Conduct for Liberian journalists and PUL members.
The registration and accreditation process officially begins on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. The PUL has urged all journalists, media personnel, and institutions to participate in this transformative initiative, which aims to elevate the standards of journalism and media practice in Liberia.
