By Charles Kamara
Sierra Leone’s Independent Media Commission (IMC) has called on media institutions to strengthen editorial oversight and promote responsible political communication amid growing concerns over hate speech and inflammatory rhetoric on broadcast platforms.
The IMC said it convened a high-level stakeholders’ meeting on Monday with radio and television station managers, media associations and regulatory bodies to address what it described as emerging risks in political discourse, including incitement, misinformation and smear campaigns.
The meeting brought together representatives from the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC), the Sierra Leone Broadcasters Association and the Guild of Newspaper Editors.
In his opening remarks, IMC Chairman Joseph Egbenda Kapuwa said the Commission’s regulatory approach prioritises dialogue and preventive engagement over immediate sanctions.
“The Commission recognizes the serious implications of hate speech and inflammatory content on national peace. Our objective is not to rush into fines, but to engage media gatekeepers and stakeholders to jointly identify sustainable solutions to this growing challenge,” Kapuwa said.
SLAJ President Alhaji Manika Kamara welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed the association’s commitment to press freedom and professional standards, while cautioning against the misuse of media platforms in ways that undermine responsible journalism.
Political Parties Regulation Commission Chairman Emmanuel K. Amara expressed concern about the conduct of some political actors during media appearances and called for closer collaboration between regulators and media houses to promote responsible political engagement.
Media stakeholders at the meeting recommended strengthened editorial controls, including the use of broadcast delay equipment for live phone-in programmes, improved management of studio guests and the enforcement of clearer internal editorial policies.
They also proposed greater reliance on recorded programmes, structured pre- and post-broadcast reviews, and ongoing training for producers and presenters.
The meeting concluded with a joint commitment by participants to uphold ethical journalism and responsible broadcasting in the interest of national unity and democratic governance, the IMC said.
The Commission said it would continue engaging media stakeholders to support initiatives aimed at strengthening professionalism and safeguarding the integrity of Sierra Leone’s media environment.
