As the debate for the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS) to be turned into a ‘State Broadcaster’ resurfaces, this time from the Elder Council of Liberia, they are stressing that in this time and age, Liberia should not be using decrees but should deal with recent laws.
The founding father of the Elder Council of Liberia, G. Moses K. Dorbor, among other things said making LBS a State Broadcaster will give the right to all political parties to freely make appearances on the national radio.
He said by that, it creates a level playing field for both the opposition and the ruling establishment to express their views on national issues using the national station space freely and added, “Only members of the Legislature can make this change.”
Making the call in an exclusive interview in Paynesville, the Elder Council head said it is important for members of the Legislature to do the needful by making an amendment to the October 10, 1980 Decree #20 which came into force by the People’s Redemption Council (PRC) of the Armed Force of Liberia and it was in that same 1980, Chapter 87 of the Public Authorities Law changing the Liberia Broadcasting Corporation to the Liberia Broadcasting System came into force.
The legal instrument, on June 26, 1981 following its insurance, was published by the authority of the Bureau of Printing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Liberia.
Since that time, the instrument has been used for broadcasting in Liberia but with the call for the Elder Council of Liberia, it is expected that members of the Liberian Legislature are going to join the call by amending the decree to make it a “Public Broadcaster” to enable all size to have equal access to the state funded station
Session 2 #7 of the decree states that LBS is, “To promote the government of Liberia’s interest in national and international broadcasting or radio conference and activities.”
But according to Elder Dorbor, this provision has not served the people of Liberia well because it gives preferential treatment to the government thus creating bad feelings among other sides of the divide.
Elder Dorbor said when the lawmakers amend the decree, there will be provision that will give a board the power to do a proper vetting process of applicants thereafter the President can make his announcement of those qualified to administer the affairs of the State Broadcaster.
“As it appears now, preference is given to the government of the day thereby sidelining the opposition.”
According to him, peace cannot be maintained, “If we overlook the principles of democracy.”
Speaking about Liberia’s elections, Elder Dorbor called on both opposition and ruling establishment to stop insulting each other stating, “Let them stick to the issues because elections will come and go but Liberia is the only thing, we all have as citizens.
