AYV News, March 4, 2026
The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) and the Independent Media Commission (IMC) have jointly launched the first-ever SLAJ/IMC National Media Awards 2025/26, marking a significant milestone in efforts to promote excellence and professionalism in Sierra Leone’s media industry.
The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on 13th June 2026 at UNIMAK Hall in Makeni and will honour exceptional work in print, radio, television and online journalism.
According to a joint statement issued by the two institutions, the initiative is aimed at celebrating outstanding contributions to journalism while reinforcing media self-regulation, ethical standards and professional integrity.
“This is about celebrating the invaluable role of journalists in shaping society and strengthening democracy,” the statement noted.
The maiden edition will feature ten award categories designed to recognise excellence across diverse reporting fields. These include:
• Sam Metzger Award for Best Political Reporting
• Outstanding Reporting on Gender Issues
• Economic Reporting
• Court Reporting
• Health Reporting
• Reporting on Arts, Culture and Tourism
• Sports Reporting
• Reporting on the Environment
• Reporting on Human Rights
• Olu Awoonor Gordon Award for Best Investigative Reporting
Organisers say the awards will not only spotlight individual achievement but also serve as motivation for journalists nationwide to pursue impactful, fact-based and responsible storytelling.
SLAJ and IMC emphasised that the awards are expected to become an annual fixture on the national calendar, providing a platform to encourage higher standards of reporting and strengthen public trust in the media.
Media analysts view the initiative as a timely intervention, particularly as the industry continues to navigate challenges related to ethics, digital transformation and accountability.
With preparations underway, anticipation is building within media circles as journalists across the country gear up to compete for national recognition in what is expected to be a defining moment for Sierra Leone’s press.
