And Reform For Lasting Impact
Reflection by: the Former Coordinator, ALICOR Secretariat
George Sarwah Stewart
As the Liberia Association of Community Radio (ALICOR) prepares for its upcoming elections on March 30th in Kakata, Margibi County, significant attention is drawn to the voting criteria. While community radio encompasses more than just managerial roles, only managers from a minimum of 60 radio stations are eligible to cast their votes under the membership category.
ALICOR stands as a cornerstone in rural broadcasting, representing the largest media network in Liberia’s rural areas. Currently, the Swedish Government funds ALICOR’s content syndication project, while the American Government, through its USAID Media Activity managed by Internews Liberia, provides support to numerous community radio stations. However, the association’s ability to effectively serve the interests of community radio hinges on its willingness to prioritize professionalism over mediocrity and self-interest, ensuring a clean and inclusive approach to governance.
Under the current leadership of Mr. Hector Mulbah, ALICOR’s vision-driven direction falls short, lacking the necessary support to fulfill its potential. Despite donor efforts to implement reforms and establish a secretariat for daily operational management, Mr. Mulbah’s leadership has hindered the effective functioning of this critical unit. The failure to grant the secretariat the necessary space to operate and be held accountable reflects a concerning disregard for transparency and accountability within ALICOR’s leadership. Furthermore, while stage managing may be problematic, the more significant issue lies in leading without a comprehensive understanding of project management context, posing even greater challenges for the organization’s success.
Focusing on Reform Demands for ALICOR’s Future:
Moving forward, ALICOR’s reform agenda should prioritize several key areas without dwelling on past shortcomings. Here are some essential reform demands for the association:
- Inclusive Governance Structure: ALICOR should adopt a governance model that promotes inclusivity and diversity, ensuring representation from various stakeholders such as women, youth, the business community, and community leaders. The Board of Directors should take the lead to preserve the inclusive vision of the association.
- Transparent and Accountable Leadership: The leadership of ALICOR must prioritize transparency and accountability in decision-making processes to foster trust among members and stakeholders. My personal experience with ALICOR’s executives terrified me to exit. Pampering accountability and transparency loopholes is to endorse business as usual at ALICOR. A new leadership may accord the association the opportunity to clean up and shine in the industry.
- Strengthening Membership Engagement: Efforts should be made to enhance the engagement of member stations by ensuring their active participation in decision-making processes and fostering a sense of ownership within the association.
- Professional Development and Training: ALICOR should invest in capacity-building initiatives aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of its members, particularly in areas such as radio programming, management, and journalism.
- Advocacy for Policy Reforms: The association should actively advocate for policy reforms that support the growth and sustainability of community radio in Liberia, including regulatory frameworks that promote freedom of expression and access to information.
By focusing on these reform demands, ALICOR can chart a path towards a more inclusive, transparent, and impactful future for community radio in Liberia.
Ensuring Inclusive Membership: Recognizing Community Radio as Community Assets
Community radio transcends individual ownership, embodying the collective stake of the community in its operation and sustainability. Upholding best practices, community radio, as a noncommercial entity, should be governed by a board of directors rather than a board of advisors. This board should reflect a diverse cross-section of stakeholders, including women, youth, the business community, and community leadership.
The upcoming elections scheduled for March 30th in Kakata should constitutionally incorporate delegations from each member station, rather than solely station managers. Many of these managers are physically detached from the radio station, seeking opportunities elsewhere. ALICOR should not function as a mere club for station managers; rather, it should serve as a true reflection and representation of community radios across Liberia.
Embracing New Leadership for ALICOR’s Future:
While acknowledging the commendable service of the current leadership, it’s evident that the community radio sector requires more than just reforms; it demands competent and integrity-driven leadership to alleviate donor concerns and foster sustainability, especially in business development initiatives.
The forthcoming change in leadership, spearheaded by James P. Kwabo, offers a promising prospect for ALICOR. With the inclusion of at least one female representative, this leadership transition signifies a fresh infusion of ideas, innovation, and integrity that the association urgently needs.
It’s noteworthy to recognize that the Kwabo Team demonstrates a robust understanding of contemporary community radio issues, contrasting with the incumbent leadership, who may be perceived as more aligned with urban radio practices. This shift presents an opportunity for ALICOR to adapt to evolving challenges and better serve the interests of community radios across Liberia.