The US Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Bryan David Hunt, has reaffirmed his commitment to collaborating with the Sierra Leone Broadcasters Association (SiLBA) to elevate media standards, support good governance, and tackle misinformation. This pledge was made during a recent visit by SiLBA’s executive team to the US Embassy in Freetown.
Ambassador Hunt unveiled plans for a new partnership that will include various initiatives such as training programs, fellowship opportunities, and strategic discussions designed to address the challenges brought about by advancements in artificial intelligence within the broadcasting sector.
Krista A. Mangiardi, Acting Public Affairs Officer at the US Embassy, also emphasized the Embassy’s eagerness to work alongside SiLBA. She highlighted the significance of nurturing a responsible and effective media landscape in Sierra Leone.
Stanley Bangura Jnr, Chairman of SiLBA, conveyed his appreciation to Ambassador Hunt and the US Government for their ongoing support in bolstering media capacity and professional development in the country. Established two years ago, SiLBA functions as a key national body for broadcasters, focusing on member welfare, rights, and the advancement of industry standards. With a membership comprising over 100 individuals and 40 media outlets, SiLBA aims to foster a cohesive, professional, and gender-sensitive media environment.
SiLBA’s goals include advocating for the interests of its members, supporting press freedom, promoting sustainable broadcasting practices, encouraging innovation in content and technology, and facilitating professional growth through various training opportunities. The organization also seeks to complement the efforts of other media bodies like the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) and the Independent Media Commission (IMC), fostering unity and collaboration within the media sector.
Looking forward, SiLBA plans to focus on securing office space, creating an institutional website, building international partnerships, increasing membership, enhancing training programs, and acquiring essential equipment for radio broadcasting. Additionally, they aim to embark on projects addressing journalism in the digital era, AI in media, climate change reporting, and financial journalism.
The new partnership between the US Embassy and SiLBA marks a significant step towards advancing media professionalism and excellence in Sierra Leone.
