EDITORIAL: A New Era for PAL under Alphonso Toweh’s Leadership

THE INDUCTION OF Alphonso Toweh as the new leader of the Publishers Association of Liberia (PAL) marks a significant milestone in the organization’s history. As PAL embarks on this new chapter, we urge the incoming leadership to remain committed to the highest ethical standards and safeguard the principles of democracy. One of the most pressing challenges facing PAL is the need to heal internal divisions that may arise, and extend an olive branch to all publishers of newspapers, and other auxiliaries of the Press Union of Liberia, particularly those in the print sector. The recent mass departure of members and the formation of the Independent Association of Publishers (IAP) underscore the importance of unity and inclusivity. We encourage Mr. Toweh’s administration to engage in meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders, listen to their concerns, and work towards a more cohesive and representative organization.

AS THE LARGEST auxiliary of the press, PAL’s primary responsibility is to serve the interests of its members. We urge the leadership to prioritize the needs of all members, rather than selected interests, and design programs that will uplift the association and its membership. Regular meetings, consultations, and consensus-building are essential building blocks to ensuring that PAL remains a vibrant and effective advocate for the publishing industry.

WE SHARE THAT incoming president’s views, as expressing in his inaugural statement, that the use of national presidential website to divert vital advertisements that could have generated income for newspapers is a practice that undermines the financial sustainability of the industry. It represents and existential threat to the print media in particular and the Liberian media community in general. And even national and international organizations that professed pride themselves as advocacy of freedom and friends of the media stand out as accomplice in the death of the press. We condemn this practice and urge the government to reconsider its approach to advertising in the print media, and call of public and private advertisers to stop aggressing the media in the form and manner.

ADVERTISEMENTS, UNARGUABLY being the lifeblood of newspapers, it is essential that PAL and its members work together to protect this critical revenue stream. There is an urgent need for the new leadership to begin sustained engagement with the private sector and with government, if need be, through organizing open public dialogues such as symposiums and other forums to adequately discuss the vexing matter and find a sustainable solution.  

AS PAL BEGINS this new chapter under Mr. Toweh’s leadership, we are equally optimistic about the potential for growth, unity, and progress within and without. We urge the incoming administration to remain committed to its creed of ethics, prioritize the interests of its members, and work tirelessly to promote the publishing industry in Liberia. With visionary leadership and a commitment to unity, PAL can become a powerful force for good in the country’s media landscape.