Sen. Wesseh calls for media commission

Senator Commany B. Wesseh of River Gee County has reiterated the need to establish a media commission in Liberia to monitor reportage of the media.

Speaking as one of the panelists during the 4th Annual Congress of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) on Friday, November 27, 2015 in Buchannan City, Grand Bassa County, Senator Wesseh named sweeping comments used by politicians and others in the media to taint characters of people in society and the government.

The Senate’s Committee Co-Chairman on Information and Broadcasting expressed concern about the future of the country where peace and stability is often undermined by negative comments and pronouncements on air.

He appealed to the Press Union of Liberia and civil society movements, including key state actors to quickly brainstorm on this, adding that when the commission comes into being everyone, including media practitioners, political actors and civil society organizations would be mindful of the corresponding responsibility thereof.

The 4th Annual Congress was held under the Theme; Journalism and Self-regulation: “Towards A Better Media Contribution to Liberia’s Democracy.” 

Senator Conmany B. Wesseh and Mr. Aloysius Toe, a social activist served as panelists focusing on the topic: Self-regulation and Statutory regulation.

He indicated that the commission will guide journalists, politicians and other human rights activists as to their duty to respecting the rights, privacy and human dignity of others in order to avoid defamation, libel and slander.

Former Auditing General John S. Morlu, delivered the keynote address accusing the three Branches of the Liberian Government of being tyrannical and corrupt.

By Bridgett Milton-Edited by Jonathan Browne