By Kelvin Gonlah
Minister of Information Culture Affairs, and Tourism Information (MICAT) Minister Jerolinmek Piah has blamed the Liberian media for fueling tensions in the country, especially the ongoing leadership crisis at the House of Representatives on Capitol Hill.
He claims that local media’s coverages in recently helped to escalate the tension between protesters and the Liberia National Police as they attempted to march on the Capitol Building.
Minister Piah made the outburst at a special press briefing in Monrovia recently (Wednesday, December 18, 2024) criticized media outlets for prioritizing sensational headlines and focusing on negative events, which according to him, only worsen the situation by creating public perception; not promoting peace and stability in the country.
He media institutions that such reporting damages the credibility of the media and contributes to public unrest, Piah further noted, “Instead of focusing on the well-being of the nation, some media outlets are more concerned with crafting striking headlines to ensure they stay at the top of the news cycle.”
According to him, this approach only inflames tensions and undermines efforts to maintain stability; not promoting peace in Liberia. He underscored the need for Liberian media to prioritize accurate reporting and to consider the impact their coverages have on national peace and security in Liberia.
“Are we not also supposed to be concerned with the peace and security of the country?”, he asked, expressing concern that focusing solely on sensational stories at the expense of responsible reporting only contributes to national instability.
According to him, the strength of media institution lies in the quality and integrity of the information it provides, not in sensationalized headlines that could lead to unintended consequences.
MICAT Boss also pointed out that some media institutions focus exclusively on reporting negative news, often overlooking positive developments happening across the country.
Despite his criticism, he reassured the media that the government is not trying to suppress their freedom but instead aims to provide space for growth and development in their reportage.
He highlighted that in two months since taking office as minister, the government has registered over 37 new media institutions, demonstrating his commitment to expanding the media landscape in Liberia.
While urging media outlets to thrive, Minister Piah stressed the importance of recognizing the country’s fragile peace and urged Liberian journalists to conduct their work in ways that strengthen the peace and security rather than undermining the peace.
“We are pleading with you to understand that we are not in the business of trying to stifle the media; we are here to help you grow,” MICAT Boss urged Liberian Journalists to uphold the ethical standards and promote the peace the have enjoyed over decades.