Monrovia โ The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Thomas Fallah has assured media stakeholders of his commitment for the possible passage of a bill seeking to give exclusive ownership and management to Community Radio stations.
Deputy Speaker Fallah averred that the intent of the Bill is acceptable and on the right path to safeguard and strengthen the media capacity to provide authentic and creditable information.
He expressed concerns over politicians using their influence over these stations to manipulate and distort information for their selfish political gains.
This is something he noted must be seriously address during the discussion on the bill.
According to him, such situation has the proclivity to compromise the independence of media outlets.
Hon. Thomas Fallah of Electoral District 1, Lofa County made these assertions Wednesday, 29 May 2024 during a Legislative Roundtable Meeting on Media Law Reform held at the Capitol Building.
For her part, the Country Representative of Internews, Lien Bach lauded members of the Legislature for their continual support to the community radio sector.
She disclosed that internews and partners are currently supporting thirty (30) community radio stations with technical capacity and business development to ensure they stand on their own.
Lien Bach said the passage of the proposed Community Radio Act will strengthen the legal and operating environments in which free media can prosper as well as benefit the broader media landscape that will eventually contribute to the development of Liberia and its citizens.
Internews has been supporting the Liberian media for nearly ten (10) years through media development programs which is funded by the United States and Swedish governments as well as the European Union delegation.