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Sierra Leonean journalist and BBC reporter Umaru Fofona has criticised the Independent Media Commission (IMC) for increasing the annual renewal fee for newspapers by 150%, describing the move as out of touch with the realities facing the country’s print media.
Speaking to the press, Fofona highlighted the challenges confronting newspapers, including declining sales, reduced advertising revenue, rising production costs, and competition from social media.
“Essentially, the country’s newspapers are tinkering on the brink of collapse,” he said.
Fofona expressed frustration over the fee increase, saying the regulator does little to support the industry as mandated under its governing Act.
“It is shocking that the regulator can increase the annual renewal fee by 150%. They should cut their coat according to their size instead of expecting newspapers to fund their running costs,” he added.
He called on the IMC to reconsider and revert to the previous fee, stressing that many newspapers, particularly those resisting political influence, are struggling to cover operational costs.
“Paying salaries has never been as difficult. Rent is breaking our necks. Our survival has become a gamble. Please rethink and revert to the old fee, IMC,” Fofona said.
The IMC has yet to comment on the criticism or provide further explanation for the fee increase.
