GBARNGA, Bong County, Liberia – The Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP) has concluded a three-day regional radio and news production workshop in Gbarnga, Bong County. This initiative is part of the Liberia Media Activity (LMA) project, which aims to enhance the quality and inclusivity of radio content across Liberia.
According to the CEMESP /Internews USAID LMA project, there has been a noticeable decline in the variety of radio content, with many broadcasters predominantly focusing on live broadcasts and call-in formats. This approach has been identified as limiting, favoring those with access to mobile phones and the financial means to afford airtime. Consequently, the voices of individuals who lack these resources are often marginalized. To address this issue, CEMESP, under the LMA project, is conducting four regional radio and news reporting trainings for 100 journalists across the country.
The first regional training session took place in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, from April 25-27, 2024, bringing together journalists from Grand Kru, Sinoe, Rivercess, and Grand Bassa Counties. The second session was held in Ganta, Nimba County, from May 9-11, 2024, and included journalists from Maryland, River Gee, Grand Gedeh, and Nimba Counties.
The just conclude workshop, held at the Women’s Center in Gbarnga, Bong County, from June 20-22, 2024, gathered journalists from Lofa, Bomi, Margibi, and Bong Counties. The training equipped journalists with the skills and knowledge necessary to produce diverse and high-quality radio content, ensuring that a broader range of voices and perspectives are represented in the media.
“CEMESP is committed to fostering a more inclusive and dynamic media landscape in Liberia,” said Theophilus Gippley, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at CEMESP. “Through these trainings, we are empowering journalists to create content that not only informs but also engages and represents the diverse communities across our country.”
The final regional training is scheduled to bring together journalists from the remaining counties later this year. CEMESP, with the support of the LMA project, continues to strive for a media environment where all Liberians have the opportunity to be heard, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
The Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP) is a leading media development organization in Liberia dedicated to promoting press freedom, media development, and peacebuilding through research, training, and advocacy.
The USAID Liberia Media Activity (LMA) project is an initiative aimed at improving the quality, diversity, and reach of media content in Liberia. It focuses on capacity building for journalists and media institutions to foster a more inclusive and representative media environment.