By Amin Kef-Ranger
Khalil Kallon, the Executive Secretary of the Independent Media Commission (IMC) of Sierra Leone, in a notable address which he delivered during a Seminar for Press Officers and Media Journalists of Sierra Leone, highlighted the crucial role of the media in fostering democratic principles and national development while emphasizing professionalism and cooperation in media practice.
He expressed gratitude to MOFCOM for hosting the important event and extended his appreciation to Ambassador Wang Qing of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Sierra Leone for their involvement in the seminar.
The media in Sierra Leone, Mr. Kallon noted, operates with a commitment to democratic principles and freedom of expression, aiming to support national development initiatives and improve the quality of life for Sierra Leoneans through effective mass communication strategies and activities.
He underlined that despite the Freedom of the Press, professionalism and responsibility are essential aspects of journalism practice in Sierra Leone, with the Independent Media Commission serving as the regulatory body to ensure compliance with guidelines and the highest level of efficiency in media services.
Khalil emphasized the media’s pivotal role in shaping the political, economic, and social development of Sierra Leone since the end of the civil war and further highlighted its contributions in providing accurate information, promoting public safety, morality, social consensus, justice, peace, and preserving national cultural heritage and identity.
Acknowledging the significant role of media institutions in Sierra Leone in strengthening China-Sierra Leone friendship and cooperation, he noted how these institutions have reported on issues related to the two objectively and professionally, contributing to the mutual understanding and friendship between the two nations.
The Executive Secretary also commended the selection of participants for the seminar, including practitioners from various media platforms, the Ministry of Information and Civic Education and the IMC. He expressed confidence that the knowledge gained during the seminar would be shared with fellow practitioners in Sierra Leone and appealed to the organizers to consider future programs and support for the media in Sierra Leone, emphasizing the nation’s development needs in terms of professional media practice and modern broadcasting and printing equipment.
He ended by wishing the seminar attendees a productive and fruitful deliberation.
It must be underscored that the Executive Secretary of IMC, Khalil Kallon’s address underlines the media’s essential role in Sierra Leone’s development and calls for ongoing support and cooperation to further enhance the nation’s media landscape.
