By Emmanuel Koffa
BARCLAYVILLE, Liberia — Limited funding, aging broadcast equipment, and dwindling staff dominated discussions as U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Officer Raymond Stephens met with the management of Voice of Grand Kru Radio during an outreach visit to this southeastern county.
The visit formed part of the U.S. Embassy’s engagement with rural media institutions to strengthen partnerships and better understand the challenges confronting community radio stations across Liberia.
Speaking during a live interview on the county-run Voice of Grand Kru 98.1 FM, Stephens said community media remain critical partners in reaching citizens with credible information.
“Our goal is to strengthen engagement with rural media partners and explore how community radio can support U.S. government priorities,” Stephens said.
During the interview, the Public Affairs Officer highlighted the U.S. administration’s priorities, including commercial diplomacy, the America First Global Health Agenda, and efforts to combat illegal immigration.
However, the spotlight also turned to the realities facing one of Grand Kru County’s most important media institutions.
According to the station’s management, Voice of Grand Kru continues to struggle with inadequate financial support, obsolete technical and broadcasting equipment, and the loss of trained personnel.
“Despite these challenges, we remain committed to serving the people of Grand Kru by providing reliable information and quality programming,” members of the station’s management told the visiting U.S. delegation.
Stephens commended the station’s resilience and dedication to public service, emphasizing that community radio plays an indispensable role in informing citizens, promoting civic participation, and connecting remote communities with national and international issues.
The outreach visit underscores the U.S. Embassy’s continuing efforts to build stronger relationships with local media institutions while encouraging the free flow of accurate information throughout Liberia.