Africell Sierra Leone has at its Headquarters in Freetown signed a Memorandum of Understanding with 51 Radio stations in the country during an event of commemorating World Radio Day.
Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of Africell SL , Joe Abass Bangura, revealed that they are signing an MOU with 51 radio stations as well as renewing their commitment to radio stations that they have been providing 24 hours electricity supply to for over 10 years.
“We are proud to now say that we have radio stations we support in all 16 districts all over the country. We have 51 radio stations that are powered by Africell, and there is another set of about 30 radio stations that we have cash relationship. As on now we are supporting about 1/3 of radio stations in the country,” he informed.
Station Manager of Afri Radio, Abdul Karim Sesay, intimated that they are commemorating the power and impact of radio in connecting communities, building culture and amplifying voices across the globe.
“As we embark on this journey of celebrating World Radio Day, let us reflect on the profound influence of radio in shaping our communities. We know our commitment is to amplify voices across all quarters,” he added.
According to the Station Manager, the day reminds them of the impact of radio, its bond stressing how they can join forces to change and bring peace in their communities further stating that they must all reflect on their major obligation as the voice of the voiceless.
The Representative of the Independent Media Commission, Khalil Kallon, said radio has played an integral part in lives for decades underscoring that the diversity and impact of radio is shaping the world.
According to him, all should reflect upon the theme for 2024: “Radio and Democratic Processes”, disclosing how there are 243 radio stations nationwide and that 39 are community radio stations.
Khalil Kallon said with its unparalleled accessibility, radio has played a pivotal role in enhancing democracy, democratic values and processes emphasizing how it also serves as a platform for the exchange of ideas, the dissemination of information and the promotion of dialogue which are all essential components of a thriving democracy.
President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Ahmed Sahid Nasralla conveyed thanks and appreciation to Africell SL for their timely and much needed support, noting that there has been seamless continuation of the company’s support to certain radio stations in Sierra Leone with direct cash and electricity supply, especially community radio stations in rural communities for the past 10 years or so.
“To say that radio stations are struggling is an understatement. Currently, radio stations in Sierra Leone, especially community radio stations, are faced with a lot of challenges. Lack of financial sustainability means that many radio stations struggle to operate, access funding, procure the right equipment, pay staff salaries and even pay for their annual licenses,” he said adding how lack of technical expertise and resources impede the maintenance and upgrading of broadcasting equipment.
According to him, inadequate infrastructure and frequent power outages disrupt broadcasting schedules and affect signal quality saying with the proliferation of bigger and well-resourced media platforms, including digital and social media, radio stations face strong competition for audience attention and advertising revenue.
Other personalities including Asmaa James, owner of Rise Radio, Josie Peres of Universal Radio Station raised an important point bordering on the need for the company to increase their financial rewards for services that radio stations providing in furthering the Africell brand further stressing the importance of the support that the company is providing, Stanley Bangura from Makeni, another Radio Station owner, made salient contributions bordering on the importance as an effective medium of communication, the importance of community radio stations in enhancing development and how their relationship or partnership with the company could be made mutually beneficial.
