MONROVIA — The leadership of the Publishers Association of Liberia (PAL) has urged its members not to publish or disseminate press releases and statements from the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning until all media bills submitted before it, are settled.
PAL has also advised Publishers and media owners not to do business with any government’s ministry or agency on credit. “All transactions should be made based on up-front payments,” PAL said in a release Wednesday.
“Media services have business aspects, from where media owners pay their staff and cover overhead costs like taxes and rent.”
Regardless of which party is in power, the Government of Liberia has shown over the years that it has no interest in media sustainability and, therefore, would choose to do business with it and refuse to pay.
“Let’s not forget that a strong and viable independent media is a crucial element of democracy. Its role cannot be overemphasized. Thus, depriving it of its rightfully earned payments undermines that pillar of democracy.”
Over time, the move against the Finance and Development Planning Ministry, PAL said, will be extended to other Ministries and Agencies that deliberately refused to settle their obligation to the media. “This would include, but not be limited to, withdrawing all reporters from covering Government functions,” PAL added.
