MONROVIA – The Reporters Association of Liberia has challenged Liberia’s newly elected media leaders to place journalists’ welfare, professional development, and ethical leadership at the heart of their administrations, arguing that strong media institutions are essential to protecting press freedom and strengthening the journalism profession.
The call came as the Association congratulated the new leaderships of the Executive Mansion Press Corps and the Ministry of Information Reporters Network following peaceful elections that ushered new officials into office.
While celebrating the successful democratic exercises, RAL used the occasion to outline what it described as the responsibilities awaiting the incoming leaders as they begin their respective tenures.
The Association said leadership within journalists’ organizations should extend beyond administering elections and instead focus on improving the professional lives of reporters through stronger advocacy, greater unity, ethical journalism, and meaningful capacity-building opportunities.
RAL emphasized that journalists’ welfare should become a central priority, encouraging the incoming officials to champion initiatives that support professional growth while addressing the practical needs of media practitioners across Liberia.
The Association also urged the new leaderships to foster inclusive leadership that reaches beyond campaign divisions, saying unity after elections remains essential to strengthening the institutions they now serve.
According to RAL, media organizations become more effective when members work collectively toward common professional goals rather than allowing electoral competition to weaken institutional cohesion.
The Association further encouraged the leaders to deepen constructive engagement with government institutions, development partners, and other stakeholders in ways that strengthen press freedom without compromising journalistic independence.
RAL described professionally managed auxiliary media organizations as vital pillars of Liberia’s journalism landscape, noting that organizations such as EMPC and MIRNET help promote solidarity among reporters while providing platforms for professional collaboration.
The Executive Mansion Press Corps elected Vasta Tarlue as Chairperson, with Moses Kpakolo becoming Vice Chairperson, Stephen Sonpon elected Secretary-General, Jenneh Borbor chosen as Assistant Secretary-General, and Prince Saah elected Financial Secretary.
RAL also recognized the outgoing leaderships for helping oversee peaceful transitions, saying their stewardship during the electoral period contributed to orderly democratic processes that reflected positively on Liberia’s media community.
The Association further acknowledged every journalist who participated in the elections, stressing that offering oneself for leadership represents an important contribution to democratic governance within professional organizations.
Looking ahead, RAL reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with both organizations on initiatives designed to promote responsible journalism, strengthen professional development, improve journalists’ welfare, and advance press freedom throughout Liberia.
The statement concluded with an appeal for the incoming leaders to make service to their members the defining hallmark of their administrations, describing principled leadership as essential to building stronger media institutions capable of serving both journalists and the public.
