Africa’s Media Seeks Broad Support

Michael Hedges August 31, 2010 Follow on Twitter

Media has long been a priority of international organizations in post-conflict development. After security information is considered a basic necessity. Most often these are long-term efforts and successes are delicate.

It was the fifth anniversary last week (August 25) for the Liberia Media Center (LMC). Launched originally under the auspices of the Press Union of Liberia, the LMC has grown to a staff of ten managing projects throughout the country. Those projects cut across all media sectors with emphasis on capacity building and sustainability.

“Generally speaking, the media sector can best be described as improving five years from our inception,” said LMC Executive Director Lawrence Randall. “From the competition to present appealing layout looks, to diversification of contents on human rights, governance, and the economy, the media is showing signs of steady growth and commercial sustainability. Along these lines, we have worked together with our partners in providing the necessary spearhead for solidifying the media’s work on issues of investigative journalism, freedom of expression, self- regulatory mechanisms and a broader strategy for media support.”

The LMC’s partners include the major media development funding agencies – the BBC World Service Trust, UNESCO, the World Bank, IREX USA, Soros Foundations (OSIWA), Journalists for Human Rights (Canada), Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Free Voice), and the Ford Foundation (Trust Africa). The Radio Netherlands Training Center (RNTC) funds its Informotrac initiative for community radio in several African countries, including Liberia.

Developing community radio in Africa has long had the attention of international aid agencies and foundations. Costs are reasonably low, compared to newspapers or television, and impact high. RNTC has provided studio and transmission equipment in Liberia for community radio stations. Between 10 and 15 of these small broadcasting outlets will receive start-up capital funding plus considerable training.

“Today we work with roughly 17 community-based radio stations in 11 of the country’s 15 counties, training over three hundred community radio staff in basic journalism and technical training,” said Lawrence Randall.

When Radio Bomi’s facility burned to the ground in May, RNTC provided a transmitter and studio equipment. Radio Bomi serves Tubmanburg, Bomi County in western Liberia, an area devastated in the second Liberian civil war. The fire was accidental and Radio Bomi, the only radio station in the rural area, returned to the airwaves.

Other community stations in Liberia haven’t fared so well. A disgruntled listener went on a rampage (August 16) at Radio Tamba Taikor destroying the transmitter and studio equipment. The man reportedly suffered mental distress.

Aid agencies give community radio stations in western Africa high marks for engaging the public and promoting conflict resolution. A 2009 report from the US-based Search for Common Ground credited these broadcasters for helping “marginalized people without access to other means of communications.” The study looked at community radio stations in Liberia and Sierra Leone and found that “listeners credited community radio stations with improving basic living conditions and encouraging an attitude of community responsibility and pride.” The stations were credited for being “active participants in diffusing potential violent crises.”

Media in Liberia is, in the view of many media watchers, challenged. Though a recipient of generous international aid, Liberia and its institutions are still in the shadow the civil war years. Several newspapers publish in the major cities with varying regularity. The Liberian Broadcasting System – the state broadcaster – was rebuilt under the patronage of the Chinese government and operates one radio station. There are between three and five television channels operating in Liberia, all privately owned.

Radio is, in many regards, the most accessible and widely used medium. The United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) operates UNMIL Radio, which became a popular information source. UNMIL is expected to draw down its presence in Liberia in 2011 after the next round of elections. The UN operated a similar radio network in neighboring Sierra Leone and on the UN’s withdrawal it was merged into the state broadcaster. It is likely UNMIL Radio will become part of LBS.

Perhaps the most significant broadcaster in Liberia is Star Radio, managed jointly by a local board and the Swiss Fondation Hirondelle. Funded by the European Commission, several European government participants and USAID, Star Radio has provided news and information in more than a dozen local languages with national coverage. It, too, is facing donor withdrawal.

Media in post-conflict regions – and Liberian media is typical – remain financially challenged. The IREX Media Sustainability Index in 2008, the only study reported, called Liberia’s media in the “near stages of media sustainability.” Without continued patronage, locally or internationally, for another generation most will fail. Gone are the days of media development agencies concentrating on equipment and journalism. Finding a means of support without sacrificing the independence necessary for public confidence is the remaining challenge.

Media in Spain - Diverse and Challenged – new

Media in Spain is steeped in tradition. yet challenged by diversity. Publishers hold great influence, broadcasters competing. New media has been slow to rise and business models for all are under stress. Rich in language and culture, Spain's media is reaching into the future and finding more than expected. 123 pages, PDF. January 2018

Order here

The Campaign Is On - Elections and Media

Elections campaigns are big media events. Candidates and issues are presented, analyzed and criticized in broadcast and print. Media is now more of a participant in elections than ever. This ftm Knowledge file reports on news coverage, advertising, endorsements and their effect on democracy at work. 84 pages. PDF (September 2017)

Order here

Fake News, Hate Speech and Propaganda

The institutional threat of fake news, hate speech and propaganda is testing the mettle of those who toil in news media. Those three related evils are not new, by any means, but taken together have put the truth and those reporting it on the back foot. Words matter. This ftm Knowledge file explores that light. 48 pages, PDF (March 2017)

Order here

More ftm Knowledge files here

Become an ftm Individual or Corporate Member to order Knowledge Files at no charge. JOIN HERE!