-Julius Kanubah declares as he takes over the mantle of the PUL
Monrovia, Liberia – In a landmark event held on October 1, 2024, the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) celebrated the inauguration of its newly elected leadership. The ceremony marked a significant turning point in the history of the organization, which has faced prolonged internal conflicts and a crisis over election disputes in recent years.
Julius Kanubah, the newly elected President of PUL, expressed his gratitude and acceptance of the responsibility bestowed upon him. Reflecting on his journey, Kanubah highlighted the intense political dynamics within the PUL, a reality he first encountered during his participation in the 2010 elections while on the Edward R. Murrow Program for Journalists in the United States. He acknowledged the deep divisions that have plagued the union, often resulting in strained relationships and enmity among members.
Honoring Fallen Journalists
In a poignant moment during his address, Kanubah led a tribute to the 19 journalists and media professionals who passed away during the union’s tumultuous period. The auditorium observed a moment of silence in memory of these individuals, whose contributions to the media landscape in Liberia were deeply cherished.
A New Era for the PUL
Kanubah declared the inauguration as the beginning of a new era for the PUL. He emphasized the union’s commitment to upholding democratic principles, following a court-mandated interim leadership. The Interim Committee, led by former PUL President Peter Quaqua, was commended for its role in steering the union through its crisis and organizing the rerun election that brought the new leadership to power.
“The PUL now has a democratically elected leadership tasked with performing all functions as stipulated in the PUL Constitution,” Kanubah asserted. “I am proud to say that the PUL is back and that the PUL is back for good.”
Challenges and the Path Forward
Kanubah did not shy away from addressing the significant challenges facing the union and the broader media environment in Liberia. He noted the considerable improvements in journalism and media practices since the end of the civil war in 2003, with over 200 radio stations and more than 50 newspapers currently operating in the country. However, he stressed the need for further improvement, particularly in adherence to ethical journalism.
A critical issue highlighted was the economic plight of journalists, many of whom earn wages far below the minimum living standards. Kanubah called for concerted efforts to improve the conditions of service for media professionals, linking fair wages to productivity and ethical journalism.
Concerns Over Media Independence
Kanubah also raised concerns about the emerging trend of political interference in media operations under the Joseph Boakai administration. He specifically pointed to instances of County Superintendents seizing control of community radio stations and dismissing staff, urging the government to protect the independence of these stations.
A Call for Unity and Collaboration
Concluding his address, Kanubah called for unity and collaboration within the union. He acknowledged the damage caused by past abuses of power and institutional disengagement but expressed optimism about rebuilding trust and restoring the PUL’s integrity. “We must be bold, deliberate, inclusive, collaborative, constructive, and engaging in the acts of compromise without compromising our shared values,” he affirmed.
The new leadership team, including Vice President Beatrice T. Sieh, Secretary General Akoi Baysah, and Assistant Secretary-General Julius Konton, stands ready to lead the PUL into this new chapter, committed to serving both the union and the larger society with honesty and impartiality. However, Julius and Akoi were not present for the inauguration ceremony, which,according to sources close to the interim committee, their absence has warranted both having lost their seats and will open for reelection in keeping with the PUL Constitution.
As the Press Union of Liberia embarks on this renewed journey, the media fraternity and the public at large look forward to a period of stability, growth, and ethical journalism.
Meanwhile, President Julius Kanubah outlined key pillars that will guide the administration’s efforts, emphasizing accountable leadership, impartial advocacy, support for women in journalism, media development, and the establishment of media hubs across the country.
Accountable Leadership
Kanubah stressed the importance of accountability within the PUL. He announced plans to set up mechanisms to ensure all elected officers, committee members, support staff, and regional coordinators are held accountable. The administration will also conduct annual mini-congresses to present progressive and financial reports, ensuring transparency and responsible governance.
Impartial Advocacy
The new leadership is committed to upholding and enforcing ethical journalism standards. Kanubah pledged to engage the Liberian government in finding solutions to national issues, emphasizing the role of the media in promoting the survival and well-being of the nation and its people.
Construction of PUL Headquarters
Addressing a longstanding challenge, Kanubah announced the formation of a Special Resource Mobilization and Project Implementation Committee. This committee, comprising credible media, government, and civil society actors, will spearhead the construction of a permanent headquarters for the PUL, a promise made by four previous presidents but yet to be fulfilled.
Support for Women in Journalism
Kanubah highlighted the need to expand and advance the careers of female journalists. The administration will actively engage media owners and managers to promote leadership roles for women through the Female Journalists Association of Liberia (FeJAL). Efforts will include training, capacity building, and seeking fellowship opportunities for female journalists.
Media Development
The PUL plans to enhance institutional capacity and training programs to ensure the union’s viability and productivity. Kanubah announced initiatives to negotiate better working conditions and health insurance for journalists and media workers. The administration will also work to improve the media economy and institutional contexts through partnerships with the government and international organizations. Strengthening relationships with regional and international journalism bodies such as the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is also on the agenda.
Formation of Media Hubs
To decentralize media operations, the PUL will establish media hubs in each of Liberia’s fourteen counties. These hubs will serve as sub-chapters of the PUL, with leadership structures and permanent committees. The hubs will monitor journalistic practices and media operations, contributing to the annual awards for county-based and regional journalists.
Immediate Past Leadership to be Audited
In a move to ensure transparency, Kanubah announced comprehensive financial, system, and compliance audits of the PUL. These audits will cover the tenure of the immediate past leadership from the 2019 Congress and subsequent elections, as well as transactions during the recent crisis period. The findings and recommendations from these audits will be fully implemented to guide the union forward.
Constitutional Review
The administration will undertake a comprehensive review of the PUL Constitution, focusing on membership categories and eligibility criteria. This review will address emerging questions about full, associate, affiliate, and institutional memberships. The review will also consider members who have transitioned into political roles, ensuring the union’s constitutional framework remains relevant and inclusive.
A Call for Support and Unity
Kanubah called on PUL members to support the administration’s agenda through resources, ideas, and constructive criticism. He emphasized the need for reconciliation, accountability, and justice, urging members to hold each other accountable for their stewardship.
Message to the Boakai Administration
Concluding his address, Kanubah reminded the Boakai administration of its mission to “rescue” Liberia from impoverishment and inequality. He urged the government to set standards of accountability, transparency, and responsibility. Kanubah called for audits, asset recovery, the establishment of a war and economic crimes court, and the redistribution of national resources to benefit everyday citizens. He also emphasized the importance of depoliticizing the security sector and transforming ELBC into a public service broadcaster.
The new leadership’s comprehensive agenda aims to restore the PUL’s integrity and strengthen its role as a moral voice in society. As the union embarks on this renewed journey, the media fraternity and the public at large look forward to a period of stability, growth, and ethical journalism.
Meanwhile, the President of the Publisher Association of Liberia (PAL), Otheollo Garplah, who delivered the welcome remark at the ceremony, frowned at the flexibility of media establishment laws in Liberia, which he blamed for the proliferation of media institutions, often used by politicians to project their agendas. Reporters Without Borders, in its 2024 report, noted the deep political penetration within the media, which has empowered politicians to influence content. The government retains control over state-owned media, while local officials often dictate community radio station operations.
Legal Framework and Press Freedom
Article 15 of the Liberian Constitution enshrines freedom of speech and the press, though these rights are sometimes curtailed in practice. The 2024 Freedom House report highlighted ongoing threats of legal action against investigative journalists from both private entities and government officials. Despite the 2019 Press Freedom Act, which decriminalized libel, sedition, and criminal malevolence, defamation remains a civil offense, posing a risk of jail time for journalists unable to pay fines. Investigative reporting, while crucial, often results in court summonses for media houses.
Economic Challenges
Liberia’s media faces significant economic challenges, with a tight advertising market dominated by the Executive Mansion’s website. Government institutions typically advertise only with media outlets that are uncritical of authorities, further straining independent media financially. Journalists, among the lowest-paid professionals in the country, often resort to publishing PR pieces for financial support, compromising media independence.
Call for Unity in the Media
Garblah emphasized the need for unity within the Liberian media, urging journalists to transcend internal divisions for the greater good. “We need to begin to speak with one voice for our survivability,” he stated. He called on both senior and junior media practitioners to foster a sense of belonging and solidarity rather than viewing one another as adversaries.
In concluding his remarks, Garblah warmly welcomed all attendees to the induction ceremony, setting a hopeful yet determined tone for the future of Liberia’s media under the new leadership of Julius Kanubah and his team. “On this note, I want to welcome you all to this special induction ceremony. Thank you.”
The evening’s proceedings underscored the critical role of a united and resilient press in navigating the complex and often challenging media landscape of Liberia.
