The Independent Radio Network (IRN), in partnership with BBC Media Action and with funding from the European Union, has officially launched a new governance radio programme titled “People in Power” at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown.

The initiative aims to deepen democratic participation, strengthen accountability, and promote civic engagement across Sierra Leone.

The launch event brought together media professionals, journalists and other development partners to mark what has been described as a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s media and governance landscape.

Delivering the welcome address, Hassan Koroma, IRN Regional Coordinator (North), announced the formal launch of the People in Power programme, describing it as a groundbreaking platform supported by the European Union to promote transparency and good governance.

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He emphasized that the programme seeks to hold leaders accountable while strengthening democratic values and citizen participation.

Chairing the event, Austina Tucker, President of the Women in Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL), described People in Power as an empowering platform designed to bring governance closer to citizens. She noted that the programme will feature interviews with leaders, experts, and everyday Sierra Leoneans, providing a space for citizens to engage, question, and understand the decisions that affect their lives.

“This marks the beginning of a journey towards deeper democratic participation and accountability,” she said, adding that the programme’s purpose is to make governance “real, relevant, and responsive.”

Edward Kargbo, Country Director of BBC Media Action, explained that the People in Power programme forms part of a broader EU-funded media development project implemented by a consortium of local and international partners. The initiative seeks to strengthen media capacity, independence, and viability across Sierra Leone particularly community radio and women’s empowerment in journalism.

The project is implemented under a framework partnership with the EU and led by BBC Media Action, with partners including:

International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)

World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA)

Independent Radio Network (IRN)

Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG)

Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ)

Kargbo highlighted that the project builds on the National Action Plan for Media Availability, focusing on strengthening community media, revising the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) Act to enhance independence, and empowering women journalists through leadership and digital media literacy programmes.

He described the project as “one of the most comprehensive and ambitious media development efforts in recent years an experiment in collective impact designed to make Sierra Leone’s media ecosystem more resilient, independent, and inclusive.”

Officially launching the programme, Dr. Fredline M’Cormack, President of the 50/50 Group Sierra Leone, stressed that true power lies with the people, not government officials.

She commended IRN and BBC Media Action for creating a platform that promotes civic participation, transparency, and accountability.

Drawing on data from the Afrobarometer survey conducted by the Institute for Governance Reform (IGR), Dr. M’Cormack revealed that two-thirds of Sierra Leoneans rely on radio as their primary news source, with one in four listening daily. She emphasized that radio remains the most trusted and accessible medium, particularly in rural communities with low literacy and poor electricity access.

However, she noted a gender gap in access, urging efforts to ensure women and girls are equally informed and engaged.

“Radio is not just a tool for information it is a platform for feedback and participation, enabling citizens to speak truth to power,” she said.

She further noted that nearly 60% of Sierra Leoneans support media freedom, while 69% believe the press should investigate and report on corruption, underscoring widespread public endorsement for an independent media.

Dr. M’Cormack called on both journalists and citizens to embrace constructive participation as Sierra Leone moves toward future elections.

“Let us make sure that People in Power the power of speech and participation guides us toward a more inclusive and accountable Sierra Leone,” she concluded.

Umaru Fofana, Programme and Consultant Manager, announced that People in Power will begin airing in the first week of November, with five episodes already completed. He described the programme as an avenue for fostering accountability and bridging the information gap in governance coverage.

He highlighted the show’s rigorous production standards, its emphasis on factual clarity, and its use of radio as the most effective medium for public engagement. The programme will address corruption, governance challenges, and citizen empowerment, while also exploring potential roadshows that bring leaders face-to-face with communities.

“Radio remains unmatched in reach and trust. This programme is designed to connect people with decision-makers, challenge corruption, and inspire more responsible journalism,” Fofana said.

Ransford Wright, National Coordinator of IRN, described the launch as a transition “from planning to action.”

He announced that People in Power will air every Monday at 7:00 PM across IRN’s nationwide network, beginning with 12 partner stations and expanding to others that have volunteered to carry the programme.

In addition to radio broadcasts, the programme will have a strong digital presence through podcasts and social media clips, reflecting IRN’s transformation into a multimedia content hub.

“Our vision is to connect people and power giving citizens a stronger voice and ensuring governance is understood and felt in every community,” Wright stated.

He also commended BBC Media Action and the European Union for their continued support in promoting media freedom and accountability in Sierra Leone.

In his closing, Andrew Koroma, Board Chairman of IRN, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to amplifying citizen voices and fostering democratic engagement.

He said People in Power represents IRN’s evolution from election coverage to a broader role as a driver of civic dialogue and national development.

“IRN has been at the forefront of public information during critical moments from Ebola and COVID-19 to national elections. This new programme builds on that legacy by putting power where it belongs with the people,” he said.

He urged producers and journalists to ensure their storytelling reflects the real experiences, struggles, and aspirations of Sierra Leoneans, emphasizing that People in Power must live up to its name by “empowering through information and truth.”

The launch of People in Power marks a new chapter in Sierra Leone’s democratic journey. Through collaboration between IRN, BBC Media Action, and the European Union, the programme seeks to strengthen governance, give citizens a voice, and promote transparency through the nation’s most trusted medium radio.

By combining traditional and digital platforms, People in Power aims to create a lasting impact on how Sierra Leoneans engage with governance one conversation, one broadcast, and one community at a time.