The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) celebrated media excellence at their annual National Media Awards ceremony, held on March 2nd, 2024, at the Bintumani Hotel. This prestigious event recognizes media professionals for their dedication to professionalism, courage, and ethical conduct within the Sierra Leonean media landscape. The ceremony was hosted by BBC’s Umaru Fofanah and Rise Radio’s Asmaa James, with BBC Media Action’s Edward Kargbo leading the judging panel. Africell and the United Bank of Africa were among the event’s key sponsors.
Several journalists and media institutions were recognized for their outstanding work:
- Jaward Nyallay (Epic Radio): Best Reporting on the 2023 Elections & Best Radio Presenter.
- Phebean Swill (AYV): Best TV Presenter.
- Mabinty Kamara (Politico Newspaper): Best Journalist 2023.
- Abdulai Gbla (Gbla Online): Best Feature Story.
- Christian Conteh (Ticha Lemp Lemp): Best Reporter on the Environment.
Additionally, the awards acknowledged the following:
- Awoko Newspaper: Best Media House/Newspaper of the Year.
- Epic Radio: Emerging Radio Station of the Year.
- AYV Television: Best TV Station.
- Mamaja Jalloh (AYV): Special Recognition Award.
Notably absent from this year’s ceremony were Thomas Dixon, Editor of Salone Times Newspaper, Emmanuel Thorli, Editor of The Night Watch Newspaper, and Amin Kef Ranger, Editor of The Calabash Newspaper. These three journalists are renowned for delivering some of the most breaking stories of 2023, consistently following up on their reports, and gaining popularity and market value over the years.
The SLAJ’s National Media Awards celebrate the vital role journalists play in Sierra Leone and encourage continued commitment to high professional standards
