The Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) has issued a statement to address recent social media discussions surrounding the alleged termination of Ms. Umu Thoronka from the SLBC Makeni station. Contrary to circulating claims, the Corporation wishes to clarify the situation and provide accurate information.
Board Investigation and Findings:
- Ms. Umu Thoronka’s Affiliation with SLBC:
Ms. Thoronka was never a full-time reporter at SLBC Makeni. Her involvement with SLBC began as a freelance contractor in 2015, a role she held for three months. She continued under contract until 2018, after which her formal association with SLBC ended. - Marketing Collaboration:
In 2024, Ms. Thoronka resumed collaboration with SLBC by supporting the Corporation with marketing content. This arrangement was on a commission basis, and she received her first payment in June 2024. - Conclusion of Marketing Collaboration:
The decision to conclude her marketing collaboration was made based on internal considerations within SLBC and was not influenced by external factors.
Policy Violations:
In July 2024, Ms. Thoronka breached SLBC policies in several ways:
- Unauthorized Use of SLBC Footage:
She obtained and used SLBC footage without proper authorization. - Improper Use of SLBC Branding:
Ms. Thoronka used SLBC-branded content on her personal social media accounts without permission. - Inappropriate Commentary:
Her commentary on SLBC-branded content on social media platforms resulted in the Corporation’s name being misrepresented.
Even if Ms. Thoronka had been a staff member, as she claims, her actions would have been in direct violation of the SLBC Employee Manual and SLBC Editorial Guidelines, specifically Sections 9.0 and 10.2, which could have warranted summary dismissal.
SLBC is committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, fairness, and transparency. The Corporation emphasizes that while it encourages open dialogue, it is crucial to separate factual information from speculation. SLBC’s operations are guided by its mandate to serve the people of Sierra Leone with integrity and impartiality.
The public and all stakeholders are urged to refrain from sharing unverified information. SLBC remains dedicated to providing accurate, timely, and balanced reporting and values the ongoing support from its audience and partners.
For further inquiries, please contact:
slbc.slnews@gmail.com
The Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) serves as the national broadcaster of Sierra Leone, committed to delivering high-quality programming and news to the nation. With a focus on integrity, SLBC plays a crucial role in informing, educating, and entertaining the people of Sierra Leone.
