Society-Retirement-Kahler

LINA Deputy Director Pete Kahler Retires, Says “Journalism Is Not A Poor Profession”

By Decontee M. Wesseh

MONROVIA, Aug 8 (LINA) – The Former Deputy Director General for Editorial Services at the Liberia News Agency (LINA), Mr. Peter T. Kahler, has disagreed with some Liberian citizens who hold the belief that “Journalism is a poor profession,” as he bided farewell to LINA, following his retirement by Civil Service Agency(CSA).

“Being a journalist has taken me around the world, it has benefitted me financially, and improved the lives of my family in so many ways. Because of this profession, I have earned a lot of respect from people in and out of Liberia,” Mr. Kahler explained.

The former LINA Deputy Director spoke Wednesday August 8, 2024, at his retirement and appreciation ceremony organized by the management of LINA. The occasion was held in the newsroom of the institution at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT).

According to Mr. Kahler, his retirement serves as a new beginning in his career, noting that he will always be available to staff of the agency who will seek mentorship and knowledge from him.

He further encouraged every employee of LINA, especially reporters to work tirelessly to ensure that the agency moves forward in achieving the goals of the Government of Liberia.

The former Deputy Director expressed his appreciation, saying that “I feel very overwhelmed by the level of commendations I have received from the staff of the agency; I am glad that I’m receiving my flowers while I am alive.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Kahler further applauded the Director General of LINA, Mr. A. Trokon Tarr, for appreciating his efforts and work at the agency over the past years.

Mr. Kahler believes that journalism is a unique profession that calls for vigorous pursuit and diligence in writing and critical thinking, adding, “if you want to master journalism, you must write every day.”

He named several prominent Liberian journalists who have benefitted from his mentorship as he urged them to steer the wheels of the journalism profession and build their own legacy.

For his part, Director Tarr extolled Mr. Kahler for his services to LINA in particular and the journalism in general.

Mr. Kahler, 64, worked as a journalist for over 40 years during which he served the Liberia News Agency for more than 20 years. He also worked at other entities in and out of Liberia.

It can be recalled that in July of 2024, the CSA through the Ministry of Information Cultural Affairs and Tourism, retired three employees of LINA for their contributions to the Agency over the years.

The retirees from LINA include Mr. Peter T. Kahler, Mr. Mozart Dennis and Mr. Chris Nyenapee.