PHOTO: The Author
MESSAGE TO ALL LIBERIAN REPORTERS ON WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY
By Abraham Logic Kollie/Multimedia Journalist, kollieabraham23@gmail.com
May 3, 2026
Fellow Colleagues in the Liberian media,
On this World Press Freedom Day, we must not merely celebrate we must reflect, resist, and reorganize.
Our profession is under siege, not only from external forces but also from the very institutions meant to defend us. Media independence is being eroded by political interference, where reporters are treated as tools for propaganda rather than guardians of truth. Too many media managers have been intimidated, arrested, or silenced for doing their duty.
This must stop.
We acknowledge the recent efforts by the government, including support to local radio stations through subsidies, equipment, and capacity building. These steps are commendable. But they cannot be used as a leash. Support must never come with strings attached that compromise editorial independence.
However, the greatest threat to our profession today is organized hypocrisy. The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) and the Reporters Association of Liberia (RAL) have become comfortable with issuing press releases but have failed to implement the very policies they claim to champion.
We have seen statements, but no actions. We have heard condemnations, but no accountability.
Where is the PUL’s policy on protecting freelance journalists? Where is RAL’s mechanism for punishing members who spread misinformation or betray ethical standards? Where is the structural defense against media owners who fire journalists for refusing to write propaganda?
Enough is enough.
To the leadership of PUL and RAL, You were elected to serve, not to issue photocopies of outrage. Strengthen the unions. Enforce the code of conduct. Defend every journalist not just those with good connections.
To my colleagues in the Liberian media, Let us stop waiting for unions to save us. Let us build networks of mutual support. Let us refuse to be silenced by threats or bought by small favors.
Liberia’s democracy depends on a free, fearless, and fair press. No government, no politician, and no self-serving union leader should stand in the way of that mission.
On this day, I call on every reporter across the Fifteen political subdivision across Liberia, Guard your independence with your integrity. Report the truth, even when it hurts. And hold every institution including your own unions accountable.
The pen is still mightier than the sword. But only if we refuse to sheathe it.
Blessed World Press Freedom Day.
Now go do the work.
LOGIC KOLLIE, Multimedia Journalist