Sierra Leone’s Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah has on the 4th July 2024 collaborated with the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), BBC Media Action, Independent Radio Network, and Women in the Media (WIMSAL), to officially launch the Sierra Leone Broadcasters’ Association (SiLBA) at Brookfields Hotel in Freetown’s New England Ville.

In attendance was the representatives from the United States Embassy, Judiciary of Sierra Leone, Sierra Leone Police, National Telecommunications, and the NRA among others who contributed greatly to making sure that the program become a success.

It was reported that, the SiLBA was established in 2022 as a non-profit advocacy and membership-based organization which has a focus to serve as a national umbrella association for broadcasters throughout the country.

They revealed that, the mission of the association cuts across, safeguarding broadcasters’ rights, promoting their collective interests, enhancing the welfare of broadcast journalists, and ensuring professional standards in Sierra Leone’s broadcast media landscape.

In his statement, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, President of SLAJ, welcomed SiLBA as an innovative development that strengthens SLAJ’s umbrella association and assured broadcast media houses that SiLBA would provide crucial support in addressing media challenges across the country as they have to take the association as their at all times.

In his keynote address, Minister Chernor Bah affirmed the government’s commitment to media development. He acknowledged challenges posed by the internet and pledged support for broadcasting operations, including initiatives for solar-powered facilities and an efficient regulatory framework.

Ransford Wright of the Independent Radio Network highlighted the rapid growth of radio stations in Sierra Leone, underscoring the dynamic expansion and influence of broadcast media nationwide.

The association I believed to be a one that will work in the interest of all broadcasters in the country in preaching and bringing their interest to the parent body SLAJ in a quick redress.