The pouring of condolence messages to 14 journalists’ families and the Press Union of Liberia based on reports by its (PUL)’ Welfare Committee should not be ignored by well-wishers and media followers to ensure that the upcoming year (2017) should be a healthy year for Liberian Journalists who are prepared to play a timely role in the transition process of our ancestral land (Liberia) in 2017 crucial elections and beyond.
The recent disclosure made by Ansu Konneh, PUL’ Welfare Committee Chairman that his committee has recorded the death news of 14 journalists from the beginning of this year(2016) and up to present which firstly hit the Voice of America (VOA) correspondent Prince Collins (first death news) and now the newest sadden news of a then admired female journalist (Itricia Ceimon) of Truth FM/Television is alarming for the “struggling” Liberian media that needs potential and passionate practitioners who will have the willingness to provide timely, coupled with accurate and balance news and information to the public at home and abroad, despite the numerous stressful challenges they could face in the discharge of their respective reportorial duties.
Media followers and practitioners are continuously shocked by the death news of their friends and relatives whose the then presence in this “people-driven and stressful work(Journalism)” created unique opportunity for the voices of all to be heard, in the wake of welcoming utilization of the free speech and press environment which everyone is currently enjoying in Liberia.
Wlemongar Ciapha (Inquirer Newspaper), Lawrence Randall (Media Consultant or Capitol FM), Mamadee Diakite (Prime FM), Baysay Kollie(LBS/ELBC), all deceased and other fallen journalists whose names have not been mentioned in this write- out(article) “everlasting” absence has created vacuum in the Liberian media on grounds that they had their individual skills and talents which were admired by their fans and friends during their active participation in mainstream journalism. It has been widely reported that theses fallen journalists died as a result of “poor health” based on narrations made by family members and friends.
Mix-views have been currently expressed by some concerned Liberian journalists whose proposal highlights the need for general health insurance or benefit for media workers, coupled with vacation (resting time) for journalists who are heavily involved into mainstream journalism or media related work.
In this light, I am adding my voice to the many voices on this issue to ensure that media owners prioritize health insurance for their employees and also ensure that vacation (stress- free time) should be addressed, if the Liberian media and its workers are going to have a healthy time in the year (2017) and beyond.
Martin Blayon,
Liberian Journalist
[email protected]/347-534-8087, 0880836679 and 0770993723