Once regarded as a symbol of media resistance and democratic advocacy in Sierra Leone, Radio Democracy 98.1 FM has experienced a steady and troubling decline, falling from its former status as a national media powerhouse to a station now struggling for relevance in Freetown’s competitive broadcast landscape.
Radio Democracy was established during one of the most turbulent periods in Sierra Leone’s history, the interregnum following the overthrow of the democratically elected government of President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah by the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC). At a time when state-controlled narratives dominated the airwaves, the station emerged as a counterforce, challenging the propaganda of the AFRC regime. This bold stance quickly earned Radio Democracy a loyal and expansive listenership, particularly in Freetown and parts of the north.
Following the reinstatement of President Kabbah and the return to constitutional governance, Radio Democracy transitioned from resistance broadcasting to conventional programming. However, this shift also means entering a highly competitive media environment, contending with established broadcasters such as the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Service (SLBS), Radio UNAMSIL, Voice of Handicap (VOH), Skyy Radio and later, CTN.
Initially, the station relied heavily on a single popular programme, “Watin Day Be,” but this proved insufficient to sustain audience dominance. In response, the management recruited new staff and recalibrated the station’s programming strategy. This effort bore fruit with the introduction of “Good Morning Freetown,” a programme that quickly gained attraction and revitalised the station’s appeal.
By this period, Radio Democracy had clearly defined its mission: promoting democracy, upholding the rule of law, and holding government accountable. During the tenure of the All People’s Congress (APC) government, the station became known for its uncompromising scrutiny of those in power. This editorial stance resonated strongly with the public, earning Radio Democracy the reputation of being the people’s station. At its peak, it was widely considered the most popular radio station in the country, boasting extensive listenership and more than 5,000 viewers per program on its Facebook platform.
However, cracks began to appear around 2018 when some senior management staff openly aligned themselves with a political party, a sharp departure from the station’s long-held image of neutrality. Following the elections, public perception shifted further as Radio Democracy was suspected of growing too close to the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) government. The appointment of key senior staff members to government positions reinforced these suspicions, while those who remained at the station were increasingly viewed as compromised.
The consequences were swift and severe. Programme quality declined noticeably, internal struggles over managerial positions intensified, and several key staff members exited the station out of frustration. In an attempt to stabilise operations, the board of directors assumed direct control of management. Despite this intervention, the station failed to recover its former influence, and many suspect the board’s takeover as a cover-up for the ruling government.
Today, Radio Democracy 98.1 FM no longer ranks among the top five radio stations in Freetown, a dramatic fall for an institution that once defined independent broadcasting and democratic engagement in Sierra Leone. Its story stands as a cautionary tale about the fragile balance between media independence, political influence, and institutional sustainability in a young democracy.
