By Amin Kef (Ranger)
A new European Union-funded initiative aimed at bolstering media freedom and strengthening journalism in Sierra Leone was officially launched on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. The Media Empowerment for Democracy, Inclusion and Accountability (MEDIA) Project was introduced at an event in the capital, Freetown, attended by around 30 key stakeholders from the local media sector. The project is spearheaded by BBC Media Action in collaboration with the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ).
The two-year MEDIA project seeks to enhance media governance, promote gender equality in journalism and ensure greater independence for the country’s public broadcaster. Additionally, it will support SLAJ in strengthening its role as an advocate for journalists’ rights and professional welfare.
During the launch event, Edward Kargbo, Country Director for BBC Media Action, described the MEDIA project as a “beacon of hope and courage” at a critical time for Sierra Leone’s democracy. He highlighted its potential to empower the media sector, enhance inclusivity and increase accountability in governance.
IFJ Project Expert, Jeremy Dear, who attended the launch, emphasized the importance of empowering journalists to exercise their professional and labor rights. “There can be no genuine media freedom unless journalists themselves have a strong collective voice and are able to work without fear,” he stated. He further underscored SLAJ’s role in ensuring a robust press in Sierra Leone.
Speaking at the event, SLAJ President, Ahmed Nasrallah, called the MEDIA project a strategic investment in Sierra Leone’s press freedom. He noted that the initiative provides a unique opportunity for media organizations such as SLAJ, the Independent Radio Network (IRN) and the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) to build upon their mandates and expand their collective impact on media professionalism and public interest journalism.
The MEDIA project is funded by the European Union and is implemented in partnership with BBC Media Action, the IFJ and the World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA). Its objectives align with ongoing efforts to create a more independent, inclusive and accountable media landscape in Sierra Leone.
This initiative comes at a time when press freedom and journalist safety remain key concerns in the country. By enhancing SLAJ’s capacity to advocate for journalists’ rights and by reinforcing ethical journalism practices, the MEDIA project aims to serve as a cornerstone for democratic progress and media independence in Sierra Leone.
With this ambitious project now in motion, stakeholders in Sierra Leone’s media industry are hopeful that it will usher in a new era of transparency, professionalism and resilience within the country’s press. As implementation progresses, the impact of the MEDIA project is expected to contribute significantly to strengthening democracy and media freedom in Sierra Leone.
