The serenity of Grand Gedeh County, Liberia, was shattered in the early hours of May 5, 2025, by a violent attack on Smile FM, the community’s sole radio station, an incident that underscores the precarious state of press freedom in the region. A group of individuals, allegedly acting on the orders of Superintendent Alex Grant, stormed the station, assaulting Broadcast Technician Cyrus Gbeway and damaging his personal property. This act of aggression was followed by an even more alarming development: the forceful takeover of the station by police, effectively silencing the voice of the community. The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) immediately condemned the attack and the subsequent shutdown, demanding the unconditional reopening of the station and a guarantee of safety for all media personnel.
The PUL’s call for action highlights the fundamental role of a free press in a democratic society. Smile FM, as the only community radio station in Grand Gedeh, serves as a vital lifeline for information dissemination, fostering dialogue, and holding those in power accountable. Its silencing deprives the citizens of their right to access reliable and timely news, effectively crippling the community’s ability to engage in informed discourse and participate fully in civic life. The attack on Smile FM, therefore, represents not just an assault on individual journalists and media workers, but an attack on the very foundations of a free and open society. The incident raises serious concerns about the increasing vulnerability of independent media outlets and the growing influence of political figures seeking to control the narrative.
The timing of the incident, just days after World Press Freedom Day celebrations, adds a layer of irony to the situation. The celebrations, attended by government officials, civil society representatives, and human rights advocates, seemingly stood in stark contrast to the reality unfolding in Grand Gedeh. The attack on Smile FM serves as a stark reminder of the gap between rhetoric and reality, exposing the fragility of press freedom even in the face of public pronouncements supporting it. It underscores the urgent need for concrete action to protect journalists and media organizations from intimidation, harassment, and violence.
While Superintendent Grant has denied ordering the attack, he has acknowledged authorizing the police takeover and the station’s subsequent closure. His justification, based on alleged intelligence regarding plans to install a different Acting Station Manager, raises questions about the legitimacy of his actions and the potential for abuse of power. The existence of two competing Boards of Directors and two Station Managers further complicates the situation, pointing to a deeper conflict over control of the station. The PUL’s assertion that this conflict represents a political maneuver aimed at undermining the station’s independence adds another dimension to the crisis.
The PUL has called on the central government to intervene and restrain Superintendent Grant, emphasizing that the government does not own Smile FM and therefore has no authority to shut it down. This call for intervention underscores the importance of upholding the principles of press freedom and preventing undue interference by political actors in the operations of independent media outlets. The PUL’s efforts to mediate between the involved parties demonstrate their commitment to finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict and ensuring the safety and security of journalists and media workers at Smile FM.
The situation at Smile FM highlights the ongoing struggle for press freedom in Liberia and the challenges faced by journalists working in challenging environments. The attack on Cyrus Gbeway, the forceful takeover of the station, and the ongoing harassment and intimidation of media personnel underscore the need for stronger protections for journalists and media organizations. The PUL’s call for action, along with their mediation efforts, represents a critical step in upholding press freedom and ensuring the continued operation of Smile FM, the vital voice of the Grand Gedeh community. The incident serves as a clarion call for vigilance and action, reminding everyone of the importance of defending the right to a free and independent press.
