By Sulaiman Jalloh

Parliament through the Chairman of the Committee on Information and Civic Education, Hon. Dr. Unpha Sorie Gbassay Koroma has recently, in Committee Room One in Parliament Building on Tower Hill in Freetown, engaged the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLCB) on information sharing and operation of the State broadcaster.

In his opening statement, the Chairperson of the Committee Hon. Dr. Unpha Sorie Koroma welcomed officials of the SLBC to Parliament, noting that the engagement was just to get firsthand information on the operations and activities of the station under the watch of the new Director General. He stated that he is optimistic that positive changes would occur soonest and hope that working together will address some of the challenges that affect the national broadcaster. He noted that collaboration was vital and hoped for fruitful engagement, going forward.

In her brief highlight on the operational activities of SLBC, the Director General, Madam Josephine Kamara commended Members of Parliament for interfacing with them and outlined a holistic background on the current trend of SLBC and some of its activities and programmes.

The DG highlighted the mandate of the Broadcasting House to the people of Sierra Leone, noting the national broadcaster operates on two channels which are 31 and 27, with six regional Radio Stations across the country.

Speaking on challenges, Madam Kamara said the nature of the Broadcasting House relatively has poor maintenance, poor electrification, lack of infrastructure and lack of equipment, among other challenges. Madam Kamara however expressed optimism, stressing that she and her team are ready to surmount all challenges and transform SLBC to new heights while providing credible news to the people.

Committee members, who were impressed with the submission of the Director General, assured her of their willingness for continued collaboration between Parliament and SLBC.

On challenges presented to the Committee, MPs promised to raise the matter very seriously with the leadership of Parliament in order to lobby to the Ministry of Finance for prompt consideration.

Copyright –Published in print in Expo Times Newspaper on wednesday, July 10th, 2024 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)