MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The Senate Committee on Information and Broadcasting has released its findings and recommendations in connection with the recent stalemate between the Ministry of Information and the Press Union of Liberia (PUL).
The Committee’s recommendations, among other things, called on both parties to allow journalists use their institutional and PUL identification cards to cover the Coronavirus pandemic.
The Committee also recommended that President George Weah reconsiders accreditation of selected journalists for COVID-19 coverage.
According a release issued Wednesday, May 20, 2020, the Committee called on the Information Ministry to organize and facilitate a meeting with media executives to promote the relationship between the Liberian Government and the PUL.
It said the current rift between the Information Ministry and the Press Union of Liberia could undermine the gains made in Press Freedom, censorship and access to information.
Meanwhile, the Association of Liberian Journalists in the Americas (ALJA) says it remains supportive to the PUL.
The Association’s public show of support to the PUL is in reaction to the establishment of a group of journalists Society of Liberian Journalists, by former PUL Vice President, Octavin Williams.
In an interview with ELBC Wednesday, May 20, 2020, ALJA President Joe Mason, stressed the need for journalists to unite under the current PUL leadership.
Mr. Mason said:” Forming a breakaway group has the propensity to undermine media development and efforts to achieve Press Freedom.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Mason said despite the challenges, the Association is pleased with the improvement in Media-Government relationship.
According to him, both media and Government need each other to build a sustained democracy.
