MONROVIA, May 5 (LINA) -Deputy Minister of Information for Public Affairs, Atty. Isaac Jackson, has reiterated that government is committed to upholding free press in Liberia.
Minister Jackson indicated that government has been holding talks with development partners along with the leadership of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) to build the capacity of the media in the country.
Deputy Minister Jackson gave the assurance Saturday in Bopolu City, Gbarpolu County at celebrations marking this year's World Press Freedom Day hosted by the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) in Bopolu City, Gbarpolu County.
The event held under the theme “Free Press Exposes Poverty and Brings Development”, brought together journalists from across the country.
Jackson, however, stressed that while Government supports free press, Liberian journalists should exhibit professionalism and ethical standards in their reportage to enhance the development of the media in Liberia.
He indicated that no human institution is perfect, and that journalists should highlight issues that are wrong in society, but noted that this should be done professionally and not based on one-sided reporting.
Meanwhile, PUL President Abdullai Kamara has called on the government to allow the Liberian media to operate freely without harassment and intimidation from its officials.
President Kamara noted that even though the government professes its commitment to free press, the actions exhibited by certain government officials do not reflect that pronouncement.
He explained that the development of the media is critical to ensuring that the Liberian media become part of government’s development agenda.
He said freedom of the press is crucial to the social and economic development of any nation because, he noted, the free press will expose issues that would bring about development in the society
Meanwhile, the PUL president is calling on government to make allocations in the National Budget for media development.
He challenged Liberian journalists to be ethical and professional in their reportorial duties, and urged them not to limit their reportage to the capital Monrovia, but extend their coverage to other parts of the country.
LINA CB/TSS/PTK