Call to Prioritize Mentoring Young Media Practitioners -World Bank County Managers Urges Newspaper Publishers

MONROVIA – Newspapers, like other all other media organs, may have their relevancy in society to be eternal, but the strength and longevity of those who formed and run them are not—they are naturally subject to waning. This truth is gradually dawning on founding fathers of the country’s newspaper publishers organized under what is known as the Publishers Association of Liberia (PAL). Thus, as they celebrated another milestone—the inauguration of a new leadership last Saturday—the County Manager of the World Bank Country Team in Liberia reminded them of the urgency to begin grooming those who may replace and perpetuate their legacies. The Analyst reports.

Amongst several dignitaries who graced the forth transition of democratic transitions of the Publishers Association of Liberia (PAL) was World Bank Country manager; she used the occasion to emphasize the need for members of the Association to invest time and mentorship in the next generation of publishing and media leaders in Liberia.

PAL last Saturday, August 30, inducted into office Alphonso Toweh of the New Republic Newspaper,  President; Bai Sama G. Best, of the Daily Observer newspaper, Vice President; Winne  Saywah Jimmy of the Inquirer Newspaper, Sceretary General, and Chester Smith of the Independent Probe newspaper, Financial Sceetary.

In a statement at the program, the World Bank official called on the new leadership to make it a priority during their tenure to harness the strength of many young media practitioners in the journalism sector. 

She said investing time and mentorship in the next generation of publishing and media leaders in Liberia will position the sector at the leading edge of change, as nurturing young journalists would help to cultivate their commitment to excellence and truth telling in the media and publishing space.

Madam Warren observed that one of the most striking things about the media landscape in Liberia is the significant number of young journalists, as well as photographers and videographers among other functions. 

“This should not be a surprise, as over 75 percent of Liberians are under the age of 35 according to UNFPA data,” she noted. “During your tenure, make it a priority to harness this unique strength.”

She also reminder members of PAL to hold fast and firm to their values: excellence, dedication, integrity, and the importance of community within the publishing sector.

She said doing so anchors in the rapidly changing landscape for publishing/media. 

“As newly inducted officials, you are uniquely poised to participate, lead, and contribute to the ongoing success and evolution of the publishing field in Liberia,” the World Bank manager to the new PAL leadership. “From the rise of social and digital media to the tremendous responsibilities of publishing/reporting through hard copies of your newspapers, you are at the forefront of adapting to the changing narratives of the new media.”

She said their core values would serve well, including to promote collaboration and innovation along with creativity and professionalism over the years to come.

The third point Madam Warren emphasized on is the need for PAL members to recognize the vital role they play in shaping Liberia’s narrative and the country’s future. 

She said: “Here, we would highlight the continued importance of efforts to promote transparency and accountability – which are key for sustaining Liberia’s cherished peace and promoting development.” 

Publishers, he noted, “are an integral part of society, and your various audiences depend largely on you for adequately informing them about developments in society. We are all accountable. Journalists/publishers are no exception.”

From the standpoint of the World Bank, she said they believe that development is everybody’s business, and public information is key for accountability and transparency, for “this is part of what motivates World Bank policies and practices around Access to Information, Citizen Engagement, and more”. 

“We have learned over time that development is better when citizens are informed and engaged,” Warren also indicated, adding: “Ultimately, this is what we care most about: delivering results – and particularly building foundations for more and better jobs in Liberia, the focus of the new WBG Country Partnership Framework that we will launch in the coming weeks.”

In closing, she thanked those who made this event possible, including association leaders, committee members, and the newly inducted officials.

“We look forward to a bright future for the association and the publishing industry in Liberia. Once again, thank you for giving the World Bank the honor of participating in this important event,” she said.