MONROVIA – The Regional School of Journalism (RSJ) has officially resumed classes for Circle Two of its six-month certificate program, with calls for the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) to dismantle what appears to be creeping tentacles of reckless and covetous journalism by some elements.
Speaking at the orientation program of the school, Saturday, August 15, 2026, on the Calvary Temple A.G. Mission High School campus in Jacob Town, Paynesville, the Proprietor of the school, Jacob N.B. Parley, expressed disappointment at the current trend the local media community is gradually taking.
The experienced broadcast and print journalist said the media environment he saw many years back during the embryonic stage of his career life is quite different from what he continues to see today.
Mr. Parley, a former Press Union of Liberia Vice President said the Liberian society had immeasurable respect for journalists those days based on how they conducted themselves, compared to nowadays when such respect is gradually declining owing to unprofessional conduct by some elements.
According to him, journalism in time past was strongly steered by high professional standards-including truthfulness, ability to resist being used by undemocratic elements to tear down both prominent and ordinary people in society or ruin their reputation in return for financial or political gains.
Mr. Parley also added that patience, willingness to accept correction in other to grow professionally, fear to put communities, families and society at large asunder through misinformation and disinformation became the hallmark of the profession in the past.
Speaking as the students and fellow colleagues who are facilitating the six-month journalism program relentlessly nodded their heads in support of his concerns, the veteran Liberian journalist said membership with the Press Union of Liberia was also done with uncompromising due diligence, especially for new entrants to the extent that it was almost impossible for those who did not meet the set requirements to gain membership.
Mr. Parley, a Press Union of Liberia certified media trainer said it looks like everyone who carries smart phone is a journalist in Liberia today.
He called on the Julius Kanubah leadership to rise up to the task of redeeming the local journalism community from increasing embarrassment arising from ethical breach by some elements.
“Setting the records straight, I come not to blame the current PUL leadership for these problems because they are inherited ones, Mr. Kanubah and team however need to tackle them so it doesn’t taint their administration,” Mr. Parley pointed.
Providing an overview about the Regional School of Journalism (RSJ), he said RSJ serves as the training arm of a local media NGO known as Media for Diplomacy Development & Governance(MeDDG),established in 2023 by a number top notch Liberian journalists, with focus on promoting development, trade, tolerance, national renewal,etc, through diplomacy. He said the both organizations (MeDDG & RSJ) have been accredited by the Liberian government.
For the six-month journalism program, he said it envisages the training of a new generation of media professionals who will use their ethical skills to transform Liberia through conflict sensitive reportage.
Mr. Parley said the journalism school will also promote job creation in the country by recruiting media professionals to impact knowledge, while at the same time draw in other competent Liberians as support staff, but on a gradual basis.
The Liberian media professional expressed faith in God Almighty about a bright future for the journalism school – adding that God’s blessing is already here with two clergymen forming part of the current enrolment.
Earlier in a welcome remark, the Coordinator of the Regional School of Journalism, Anthony Taylor admonished the students to pay attention to their lessons and be serious if they must walk out with pride and dignity after the six-month training.
For his part, the former Director of Communications for the Assemblies of God Church Liberia, Jerry Wonday commended former Press Union of Liberia Vice President and former News Director at the Liberia Broadcasting System, Jacob N.B.Parley for his innovation to establish the journalism school. Mr. Wonday pledged to offer his professional services as time goes by.
Since the establishment of the Regional School of Journalism in 2025, Mr. Parley continues to receive commendations, looking as his vast experience in journalism as his admirers see the initiative as a way of giving back to society through his expertise.
