LTA Boss Raps on Media Artificial Intelligence -Promises Partnership with PUL to Strengthen Capacity

MONROVIA  – The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) last weekend joined other media and freedom-centric peoples and organizations to celebrate World Press Freedom Day, and the Acting Chairman of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) was on hand to address the theme of the occasion, “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media”.    

Addressing the subtheme, “Sustaining Independent Journalism and Press Freedom in the Digital Age,” Abdullah L. Kamara said today’s media landscape is dynamic and fast-evolving – new platforms and tools that allow stories to travel faster and farther than ever.

Artificial Intelligence, he noted, is changing how news is produced and consumed, indicating that as Acting Chairman of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority, “I affirm that we see press freedom as a critical national interest —one that aligns with our role in regulating and expanding digital infrastructure for the benefit of all Liberians”.

“We regulate access to the airwaves, something the press lives on. This includes the internet, radio and television broadcast spectrum,” he said, adding that independent journalism remains essential to our national development.

“It gives voice to the voiceless, it checks power, and it holds up the mirror to society. But independence must go hand-in-hand with responsibility. And so, I encourage all members of the press: Be accurate. Be balanced. Be correct in your reportage,” he cautioned journalists.

In an era where misinformation spreads with alarming speed, the journalist’s integrity is our first and best line of defense, he stressed, adding: “Your commitment to truth, even when difficult, is the foundation of public trust.”

He said: “Let me be clear on this point: For His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., positive criticism of his government is not only welcome, it is essential. A free and responsible press plays a vital role in holding government, his and any other, to account. Constructive criticism fosters accountability, drives policy reform, and strengthens our democracy. A government that listens to the press is a government that serves its people better.”

“The efforts must include topics such as closing the digital decide, strengthening legal frameworks, building digital and ethical capacity, and more,” said asserting the need to close the digital divide.

According to him, access to affordable, reliable internet is not a luxury—it is a necessity for journalists, citizens, and institutions alike. We are committed to expanding broadband services nationwide and ensuring that no region, no community media outlet, and no citizen is left behind in the digital revolution.

Also regarding strengthening legal and institutional safeguards, the LTA boss said press freedom cannot thrive without protection.

“Our ICT regulatory frameworks must continue to support freedom of expression, shield journalists from harassment, and provide access to information. At the LTA, we advocate for laws that reflect democratic values in a digital era,” he said, stressing the need for building digital and ethical capacity – digital literacy, cybersecurity, AI ethics, and investigative skills are now core competencies for the modern journalist.

“We encourage partnerships across sectors to support training and capacity building, especially for community media and young reporters. Likewise, the public must be equipped to navigate and evaluate digital content critically,” Mr. Kamara said.

According to him, the future of journalism does not lie in resisting technology—it lies in mastering it, ethically and responsibly.

The media must embrace innovation while upholding its sacred commitment to truth. And we, as regulators, partners, and citizens, must do our part to create an environment where that mission can be fulfilled.

“Let me close by saluting all journalists across Liberia—those in Monrovia and in our counties, those in print and on air, those online and on foot. Your work matters. Your courage inspires. Your role is indispensable to Liberia’s democratic journey,” the LTA boss.

“I wish to inform you that the LTA will partner with the PUL to strengthen your capacitihave series of capacity building initiatives for this purpose. AI is already here, we will ensure that we set the online guidelines to ensure we timely intervene with respect to Fake news and AI.”

He continued: “Because, even I, have been a victim of bias press and fakenews so i am particularly interested a professional press.  I therefore sincerely hope and pray that you will continue to uphold the ethical values of your profession. You must differentiate yourselves from click bait and Like and Share journalists. Weed out the ransom journalists, and be critical on election period journalists, and finally draw a line between journalism and advocacy.”