AYV News, February 27, 2026
The Sierra Leone Broadcasters’ Association (SiLBA) has held what it described as a fruitful engagement with the Independent Media Commission (IMC) following widespread concerns over recent increases in broadcasting licence and renewal fees.
The meeting brought together key representatives from both institutions to deliberate on the financial implications of the revised fees on media houses across the country.
The fee increment has generated serious concern within the broadcasting community, particularly against the backdrop of shrinking advertising revenues, rising operational costs, and mounting statutory obligations to regulatory bodies including the National Revenue Authority (NRA), the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT), the National Communications Authority (NaTCA), and the Freetown City Council (FCC), among others.
During the meeting, SiLBA’s delegation, led by its President Stanley Bangura Jnr, and comprising Mariama Bah (Finance Officer) and Aminata Finda Massaquoi (Vice President, Western Area), presented the collective concerns of media proprietors nationwide. The Association emphasized that the swift implementation of the new fees came at a difficult economic time and without sufficient prior notification to stakeholders.
SiLBA formally appealed for a 50 percent reduction in the newly introduced fees. The Association also recommended that future adjustments be implemented gradually to allow media owners adequate time to adapt.
Additionally, SiLBA proposed the introduction of flexible payment arrangements and differential fee structures for community radio stations, particularly those serving rural areas with limited financial capacity.
The IMC delegation, led by its Chairperson Joseph EgbendaKapuwa, Esq., acknowledged the concerns raised and commended SiLBA for choosing dialogue over confrontation. The Commission assured stakeholders that its objective is not to overburden the industry but to strengthen regulatory oversight, enhance transparency, and promote professional development within the media sector.
As part of the deliberations, the IMC indicated its willingness to consider several of SiLBA’s proposals, including:
• A one-month extension of the payment deadline, bringing the total payment window to four months;
• The introduction of a multi-year licensing framework to improve predictability for broadcasters;
• Joint capacity-building initiatives aimed at strengthening management practices, regulatory compliance, and digital transformation within the sector.
Speaking after the meeting, SiLBA President Stanley Bangura described the engagement as a positive step toward fostering a stronger working relationship between the regulator and broadcasters.
SiLBA reaffirmed its commitment to constructive dialogue, professionalism, and collaboration with all stakeholders to promote a fair, healthy, and sustainable media environment in Sierra Leone.
The Association maintained that effective regulation and industry growth must go hand in hand and pledged to continue advocating for policies that protect the viability of media institutions while upholding ethical standards, accountability, and innovation in broadcasting.
SiLBA is a national umbrella, membership-based media organisation incorporated in 2022 to promote cooperation, best practices, and the collective welfare of broadcasters across Sierra Leone.
