The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) ushered in a new era for its Maryland County chapter with the induction of its newly appointed leadership. The ceremony, held at Pleebo City Hall, formalized the appointment of Michael D.K. Wroh, Manager of Voice of Pleebo, as the chapter’s Coordinator. Other inductees included Moses Geply, ELBC County Correspondent; Moses Dawoe, Correspondent of INQUIRIER Newspaper; Prosper P. Gray, Voice of Truth; and Patrick Donyen. The event attracted a diverse audience, including local government officials, a human rights advocate, student journalists, station managers, and the administrator of the J.J. Dossen Memorial Hospital. This induction signifies a renewed commitment to strengthening journalism in Maryland County.
Central to Coordinator Wroh’s acceptance speech was a pledge to foster unity, accountability, and transparency within the county’s media landscape. He underscored the importance of unity among all media professionals, from announcers to managers, as a prerequisite for success. Recognizing communication gaps between journalists and local authorities, Wroh proposed a roundtable discussion to facilitate dialogue and collaboration. He also outlined his vision for a PUL sub-chapter that mirrors the national leadership’s focus on integrity and inclusion. Wroh further stressed the importance of membership regularization within the Union, urging journalists to obtain their membership ID cards and fulfill their dues obligations.
Addressing the growing presence of online media, Wroh issued a three-month ultimatum for these outlets to legalize their operations, highlighting the detrimental impact of unregulated reporting on the county’s image. He vehemently rejected allegations of political interference within the PUL, firmly stating that his leadership would not compromise the Union’s integrity for political gain. To demonstrate his support for local journalism initiatives, Wroh pledged a 10,000 Liberian Dollar contribution to the upcoming elections of the Maryland Press Association, while also urging adherence to the Union’s code of conduct and ethics. His call to action centered on restoring the eroded integrity of the journalism profession within Maryland County.
Madam Julia Natt Doe, Administrator of the J.J. Dossen Memorial Hospital, delivered a compelling address as the guest speaker, emphasizing the critical role of unity and ethical conduct in safeguarding press freedom and bolstering democracy. She argued that unity is fundamental to the credibility and effectiveness of the media, citing a past incident where journalistic disunity hindered the exposure of corruption. Madam Doe urged the Maryland press to resist political, tribal, or personal influences that could compromise their role as societal watchdogs, and she underscored the importance of adhering to journalistic principles such as accuracy, fairness, independence, accountability, and respect for human dignity. Recognizing the potential for misuse of online platforms, she cautioned against the spread of misinformation and character assassination. She challenged the newly inducted leadership to exemplify unity and ethical practice, emphasizing that responsible media is a cornerstone of peace, trust, and development in Maryland County and Liberia as a whole.
Patrick N. Mensah, representing both The NEW DAWN and the Maryland County Station Managers Association, pledged the Association’s full support to the newly inducted leadership. Acknowledging the inherent challenges and risks faced by journalists, he offered assistance and collaboration. Mensah underscored the interconnectedness of the Union’s success with the well-being of its staff, encouraging open communication and offering assistance to the new leadership in navigating any obstacles they may encounter. This commitment signifies a collaborative spirit within the media landscape of Maryland County.
Maryland County Superintendent Henry Cole, while officiating the induction ceremony, expressed his willingness to work with the new chapter leadership but challenged them to address negative perceptions surrounding the media. He congratulated the Coordinator and his team and encouraged an investigation into the prolonged inactivity of Harper Radio, the county’s primary community broadcast outlet. Superintendent Cole urged journalists to engage in constructive dialogue with his office and emphasized the importance of collaboration in revitalizing the defunct radio station, crucial for serving the expanding population of Harper City. He also highlighted the damaging impact of media misrepresentation of local leaders, calling for a shift towards more balanced and accurate reporting. This plea for improved relations underscores the need for mutual understanding and cooperation between the media and local government.
