Freedom in itself is not free because there must always be a price to pay. Across the globe, people and nations have struggled to gain independece or freedom against oppression, suppression, colonialism, and neocolonialism for the betterment of their societies.
Contextualizing freedom of the press in my home country of Liberia means idolizing the great men of the pen who fought against the odds in the then backwards society, and contributed immensely towards ensuring the nursing democracy and the fragile peace we now enjoy. Men like the late Albert Porte, Stanton Peabody, Charles Gbeyon and Tom Kamara are icons to remember on such a day.
Once upon a time, the idea of freedom of the press was taboo in Liberia. The practise of journalism was seen as the act of a masochist – embracing poverty and an early death. To speak against the will of the ruling establishment was a caveat to ones own death and vandalism upon his family. When looking back at the days of President Tubman, Tolbert, Msgt. Samule Kanyon Doe, and now the only surviving former president Charles Taylor (who is now behind bars in the Hague), one can imagine what freedom of the press was and the price it paid in contributing towards peace and stability in Liberia. Journalists were harassed, their homes destroyed, some were wrapped in mattresses and beaten. Talk show hosts and radio station managers were tilted and warned to micromanage stories to ensure the right ‘message’ was being transmitted. Journalists Sam Van Kesselley, Hassan Bility (and others) are walking accounts of this story.
A billboard in Liberia advocating for press freedom. Image Credit: Panos
Freedom of the press was a battle that they fought, and is a battle that is still being fought today. The press is not perfect, for it has its own deviant tendency. When freeedom of the press is classified as a universal human right, but downward mix in a mode of journalists and join-d-lists, there can not be a perfect operating society. Press freedom too has a mirror I consider to be “your stand point is your view point”.
This day must serve as a wake up call to the Press Union of Liberia to be more stringent in dealing with issues surrounding ethical transgressions, especially in response to demeaning allegations from US State Department that the press in Liberia survives on the shoulders of national government spending.
Then the A,B,C of journalism I learnt in grade school, and while serving as a President for my High School Press Club proves critical to the ethics of the Liberian media. While we hold the media with high esteem, it too must prove wrong such indictments in the US human rights reports in deeds and words. The price that great men of the press paid to move our society forward must not be dashed along the way as we advance into the 21st century.
As we observe World Press Freedom Day, let remember those from the fourth estate who place their life on the lines in search of the truth. The press must be allowed to fulfil its role as the watchdog of society. Bravo to all journalists in Liberia and around the world!!!
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