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The Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) has formally submitted a package of reform proposals to the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Hon. Chernor Bah, aimed at overhauling the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC).
The presentation, held on Wednesday, marks a pivotal step in the “Media Empowerment for Democracy, Inclusion and Accountability” (MEDIA) project. The proposals include a comprehensive review of the SLBC Act of 2010 and a new draft public service broadcasting policy.
Supported by the European Union through BBC Media Action, the documents are the result of extensive consultations with a wide array of national stakeholders, including parliamentary committees, political parties, civil society organizations, and the Tripartite Steering Committee.
The MRCG stated that the recommendations are anchored on four pillars: independence, inclusivity, accountability, and innovation. The goal is to transition the SLBC from a state-controlled entity into a model public service broadcaster that “amplifies citizens’ voices and safeguards democratic participation.”
“A reformed SLBC, governed by the people and accountable to the people, will stand as a symbol of Sierra Leone’s maturing democracy,” the MRCG noted in a statement following the presentation.
The reform push comes amid mounting evidence of the broadcaster’s dire operational state. Recent reports and documentaries have exposed:
Infrastructure Decay: The Freetown headquarters reportedly operates with 50-year-old equipment, exposed wiring, and a newsroom with only two functional computers for over 20 reporters.
Financial Crisis: Staff wages are reportedly as low as $50 to $100 USD per month, with no clear structure for promotions or welfare improvements.
Logistical Collapse: The corporation’s entire vehicle fleet is currently grounded due to mechanical failures, and basic supplies like printer ink and functional cameras are frequently unavailable.
Minister Chernor Bah and his team provided initial comments during the presentation aimed at enhancing the review process. The Ministry has signaled its intent to move forward with further validation sessions involving national stakeholders.
This initiative aligns with the recently presented Management and Functional Review (MFR) by the Public Sector Reform Unit (PSRU), which identified weak governance and limited financial autonomy as the primary barriers to the SLBC fulfilling its mandate.
The Ministry’s leadership in advancing these reforms is viewed by media advocates as a critical test of Sierra Leone’s commitment to transparency and a modern, citizen-driven public broadcasting system.
