The United States Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Bryan David Hunt, has expressed a strong commitment to working closely with the Sierra Leone Broadcasters Association (SiLBA) in enhancing media professionalism, promoting good governance, and combating misinformation and disinformation. During a courtesy visit by SiLBA Executive Members to the US Embassy in Freetown, Ambassador Hunt announced a partnership that would encompass training programs, fellowship initiatives, and discussions aimed at preparing broadcast media for the challenges posed by the revolution in artificial intelligence.
Acting Public Affairs Officer, Krista A. Mangiardi, reiterated the Embassy’s willingness to engage with SiLBA in potential areas of cooperation, emphasizing the importance of fostering a robust and responsible media environment in Sierra Leone.
In a momentous statement, Stanley Bangura Jnr, Chairman of SiLBA, expressed gratitude to Ambassador Hunt and the United States Government for their continuous support towards enhancing media capacity building and personnel development in Sierra Leone. SiLBA, a non-profit organization established two years ago, aims to serve as a national umbrella association for broadcasters, safeguard their rights and welfare, and elevate professional standards within the industry. With over 100 individual members and 40 radio and television stations, SiLBA envisions a thriving media landscape characterized by unity, professionalism, cooperation, and gender-sensitive programming.
SiLBA’s broad-based objectives encompass advancing the interests and welfare of its members, advocating for press freedom, promoting broadcasting sustainability and profitability, encouraging content creation and technology innovation, facilitating career growth through training opportunities, and fostering collaboration with local and international media stakeholders. Notably, SiLBA seeks to complement the efforts of existing media organizations such as the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), the Independent Media Commission (IMC), and various media development partners, fostering a spirit of unity and shared objectives within the industry.
Looking ahead, SiLBA’s priorities for the upcoming year include securing office space, developing an institutional website, forging partnerships with international organizations, mobilizing membership, enhancing institutional capacity through training and fellowships, acquiring grants for essential radio equipment, and embarking on projects relating to journalism in the digital age, AI technology in broadcasting, media management, climate change reporting, radio profitability, and financial and economic journalism.
The partnership between the United States Embassy and SiLBA heralds a new chapter in the advancement of media professionalism and excellence in Sierra Leone. By joining forces, both entities aim to foster a dynamic and responsible media environment that amplifies the voices of broadcasters, upholds journalistic integrity, and contributes positively to national development efforts.
As SiLBA continues its journey towards empowering broadcasters and enhancing media standards, their collaboration with the United States Embassy underscores a shared commitment to promoting a vibrant and inclusive media landscape in Sierra Leone. The dedication of Ambassador Bryan David Hunt and SiLBA’s leadership sets a promising course for the future of broadcasting in the country, with a focus on innovation, professionalism, and ethical journalism practices.