The Media Institute of Liberia (MIL) has lauded the House of Representatives for passing the Act Governing the Ownership, Management, Licensing, and Operation of Community Radio Stations in Liberia. The landmark decision was made during the body’s 14th Day of sitting, the 3rd Quarter Session, on Thursday, November 4, 2025.
This historic legislative step represents a significant advancement for Liberia’s media landscape and a renewed commitment to strengthening community radio, the backbone of information access for rural and underserved populations.
MIL Executive Director, Jefferson Massah, described the Act’s passage as a major victory for media development, community empowerment, and the enhancement of inclusive communication systems across the country.
Mr. Massah, who coordinated the technical drafting team during his tenure as Senior Advisor with Internews under the USAID Liberia Media Activity, noted the importance of the legislation in addressing long-standing structural and operational challenges facing community radio stations.
“I am truly proud to have coordinated the technical team that drafted this critical legislation. This Act addresses the long-standing sustainability and governance challenges faced by community radio stations across the country. Its passage marks a transformative moment for Liberia’s media landscape.”
He further stressed that the decision by the House of Representatives to pass the bill even after the close of the USAID-supported media development project that initiated the drafting process is a powerful demonstration of national ownership and strong political will.
“The responsible action by the House in the absence of the USAID-funded media project shows the Legislature’s firm commitment to ensuring a more vibrant, accountable, and sustainable media sector in Liberia.”
The newly passed Act introduces comprehensive guidance for the establishment, governance, and operation of community radio stations. It sets clear standards for transparency, accountability, ownership structures, and professional management factors essential to the integrity and independence of community-based media.
A major highlight of the bill is the allocation of 0.25% of the national budget to support Liberia’s community radio sector. This provision creates the first-ever guaranteed public funding stream for over 80 community radio stations serving as primary information sources in counties and districts nationwide.
This predictable financing is expected to stabilize operations, improve program quality, enhance the security of broadcast infrastructure, and strengthen the ability of stations to deliver timely, reliable, and development-focused information to millions of Liberians.
Mr. Massah underscored the pivotal role of community radio in national development. “Community radio remains the heartbeat of rural communication and an indispensable tool for social accountability, peacebuilding, emergency response, and community development.”
He emphasized that the bill’s passage reflects a collective investment in democracy, freedom of expression, and citizens’ right to access accurate and relevant information, values essential to Liberia’s peace and progress.
The Media Institute of Liberia calls on all stakeholders, including the Liberian Senate, civil society organizations, development partners, and media practitioners, to rally behind this legislative advancement and ensure its full enactment and implementation.
MIL affirms its continued commitment to media capacity-building, policy advocacy, and strengthening institutions that safeguard press freedom and community-driven communication.
“This is a major milestone for media development, community empowerment, and access to reliable information. A win for Liberia. A win for the media. A win for our communities.”
About MIL
The Media Institute of Liberia (MIL) operates at the intersection of journalism education and broader media development efforts. It was established to foster a robust and independent media landscape and is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of journalists and enhancing the skills of current media practitioners.
Through its comprehensive programs and initiatives, the institute aims to promote ethical journalism, support press freedom, and contribute to the overall development of the Liberian media sector.
