The study examines the Welfare of Journalists in Sierra Leone. The key issues assessed are the trends
regarding salaries, compliance with the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT), National
Revenue Authority (NRA) requirements, the Independent Media Commission (IMC) Act of 2020 (Act No.
5 of 2020), and other conditions of service of journalists in their media houses (radio, television stations,
newspaper and online media) in Sierra Leone.
The study adopted the mixed method approach and targeted reporters, editors and managers of radio
and television stations, newspapers and online media across Sierra Leone, to solicit information and
gather data on their welfare using an online questionnaire. Respondents were targeted from across the
country with all districts and regions (Southern, Eastern, Northern, North-West and Eastern Regions)
represented. An interview guide was prepared and used to interview media owners and heads of media
organizations. The semi-structured approach was used to get additional information based on the
responses of the interviewees. Ethical considerations were adhered to throughout the research process.
The findings generally show that majority of the journalists in Sierra Leone face challenges with welfare,
including 40.3% who had never received salaries. 48.3% were receiving monthly salaries that were below
the country’s national minimum wage (NLe 800 about $ 35). 59% of the respondents’ NASSIT
membership dues were not paid by their respective media employers and 50% of the respondents did
not receive any other form of conditions of service. Many media institutions were either underpaying
their employees or not paying salaries and other social security benefits. Many journalists are not
knowledgeable about the provisions in the IMC Act 2020, National Social Security and Insurance Trust
Act 2002 (Act No. 5 of 2001) and the Minimum Wage Act 1997 (Act No.1 of 1997) and its amendments,
which lay emphasis on addressing the welfare of workers.
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