Voice of Sinoe off the Air

The Voice of Sinoe, the only community radio station in that part of the country is said to be down. The station was shot down amidst reports of lack of equipment coupled with allegations that the management had been issuing checks when there are no money in the account.

But station manager, Max Klah has claimed otherwise, clarifying that the station went off the air early this week due to virus in its computer(s). He claimed that there is no computer repairer(s) in Sinoe and that they were awaiting personnel from the UNMIL contingent in the county to assist. Klah did not however say for how long.

Since its inception, the station has been supported by community residents and the Monrovia-based Liberian Media Center or LMC which provides training and equipment.

With both the community and LMC said to be unable to continue providing support, the VOS is reported to have sought assistance from the county’s authorities. After several engagements, a check of US$600.00 was given to the station with the belief that after resuming broadcast, more support would follow.

But such hope seems to have been dashed with the county’s authorities being branded as “419ers” who provided a check, knowing fully that the county’s coffer is depleted.

This became evidence when the check was reportedly taken to the bank for encashment by the VOS management but it bounced, meaning no money in the county’s account for the 2010/2011 budget.

Many community based radio stations in the counties are said to be supported through allocations in the county development funds; the VOS lamented that it has no such privilege.