By Ibrahim Sesay
The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) and the Independent Media Commission (IMC) have officially announced the joint launch of the maiden SLAJ/IMC Annual National Media Awards 2025/26, a landmark initiative designed to celebrate excellence and professionalism in journalism across Sierra Leone.
The prestigious awards scheme, jointly spearheaded by SLAJ and IMC, seeks to recognize and honour outstanding newspaper articles, radio reports, television broadcasts and online publications that have significantly contributed to strengthening the country’s media landscape during the year under review.
According to the organizers, the awards underscore a shared commitment to media self-regulation, ethical reporting and the promotion of professional standards within the Fourth Estate. The initiative is also intended to serve as a catalyst for inspiring journalists and media institutions to uphold integrity, accuracy and public interest in their reportage.
In a joint statement, SLAJ President Alhaji Manika Kamara and IMC Chairman Joseph Egbenda Kapuwa Esq. emphasized that the awards will highlight the indispensable role of journalism in national development, democratic governance and social transformation. They noted that by celebrating impactful storytelling and investigative work, the initiative will reinforce public confidence in the media as a pillar of accountability and transparency.
The inaugural SLAJ/IMC Annual National Media Awards 2025/26 is scheduled to take place on 13th June 2026 at the UNIMAK Hall in Makeni City, Bombali District. The ceremony will commence promptly at 7:00 PM and is expected to attract journalists, media executives, policymakers, development partners and other key stakeholders from across the country.
The 2025/26 edition features 16 competitive categories designed to reflect the diversity of journalistic practice in Sierra Leone. These include:
- Sam Metzger Award for Best Political Reporting
- Outstanding Reporting on Gender Issues
- Outstanding Economic Reporting
- Outstanding Court Reporting
- Outstanding Health Reporting
- Outstanding Reporting on Arts, Culture and Tourism
- Outstanding Sports Reporting
- Olu Awoonor Gordon Award for Best Investigative Reporting
- Outstanding Reporting on the Environment
- Outstanding Reporting on Human Rights
- Outstanding Reporting on Agriculture
- Outstanding Reporting on Education
- Outstanding Feature Story
- Outstanding Reporting on Corruption
- Best Reporting on Parliament
- UNDP Outstanding Journalist of the Year
The organizers noted that the range of categories reflects the evolving nature of journalism and the importance of specialized reporting in addressing critical national issues.
The awards are open exclusively to all registered, practicing and paid-up members of SLAJ. Organisers have confirmed that all submissions will be cross-verified against SLAJ’s updated membership list to ensure compliance with eligibility requirements.
Entries must have been published or broadcast between 1st January 2025 and 31st December 2025. All submissions must be original works and should include essential details such as the entrant’s name, contact information, media outlet, date of publication or broadcast, and the specific award category being applied for.
Participants are required to submit their entries electronically via email to slajimcmediaawards2025@gmail.com no later than 5:00 PM on 31st March 2026. Organisers have cautioned that submissions must be clearly labeled, as incomplete or incorrectly labeled entries will be automatically disqualified.
A panel of independent judges will review all entries based on established criteria, including originality, impact, ethical standards, depth of research and relevance to national development. The judges’ findings will subsequently be submitted to the SLAJ/IMC Awards Committee for final consideration and endorsement.
The organizers stressed that the independence and credibility of the judging process will remain paramount in order to ensure fairness and transparency.
Corporate institutions, development partners and individuals interested in supporting media development are encouraged to sponsor award categories or the overall event. Sponsorship enquiries can be directed via phone at +232 76 814217 or +232 76695950 or through email at slajimcmediaawards2025@gmail.com.
With the official launch of the maiden SLAJ/IMC National Media Awards, stakeholders have described the initiative as a significant milestone in the continued growth and professionalization of journalism in Sierra Leone. The awards are expected to set a new benchmark for excellence while reinforcing the media’s central role in shaping informed public discourse and advancing democratic governance nationwide.
