The first edition of the MRCG Newsletter 2020, covering the period from January to June 2020, indicated that we have a huge task ahead of us regarding engaging, advocating, and lobbying for the repeal of Part 5 of the Public Order Act of 1965. We will continue to engage the government and other stakeholders in the repeal process.
The MRCG has a new Media Development Strategy (MDS) for the period 2020-2024. The new Strategy is guided by five (5) objectives. They include:
- To promote an enabling media environment through legislative, regulatory and self-regulatory system reforms that are in line with international norms;
- To increase professionalism in the media landscape;
- To promote gender concerns and address women specific issues within the media.
- To support and enhance the sustainability of media institutions, revenue generation and effective and efficient governance and management systems; and
- To encourage democratic dialogue and audience engagement with media that provides a platform for debate, responsible engagements, and national development.
The previous strategy, which spanned from 2014 to 2018, had only four objectives, and it made tremendous achievements in all areas but needed much more improvement for better service delivery. After a thorough review of the old Strategy, it was unanimously agreed by the Advisory Board and Member organizations that the MRCG should continue with its strategic objectives in pursuing the media reform agenda in the country.
We have come a long way, and we still have a long way to go in reforming the country’s media laws, attaining professionalism in the media, and ensuring a pluralistic media across the country. One of the reasons for the establishment of MRCG was to push for the reforms of media laws in Sierra Leone.
The MRCG would like to thank its donors for providing the funds used to implement the programs and activities of the MRCG.
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