The leadership of the Publishers Association of Liberia (PAL) is urging all its members not to publish or disseminate all press releases and statements from the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning until all media bills submitted before it are settled.
Publishers and media owners are also advised not to do business with any government ministry or agency on credit as all transactions should be made based on up-front payments.
Media services have business aspects, from where media owners pay their staff and cover overhead costs like taxes and rent.
Regardless of which party is in power, the Government of Liberia has shown over the years that it has no interest in media sustainability and, therefore, would choose to do business with it and refuse to pay.
Let’s not forget that a strong and viable independent media is a crucial element of democracy. Its role cannot be overemphasized. Thus, depriving it of its rightfully earned payments undermines that pillar of democracy.
Over time, the move against the Finance and Development Planning Ministry will be extended to other Ministries and Agencies that deliberately refused to settle their obligation to the media. This would include, but not be limited to, withdrawing all reporters from covering Government functions.
The Publishers Association of Liberia is an umbrella organization of owners, managers, and editors of newspapers and online publications operating in Liberia and it has more than 15 members of media outlets.
