Makeni, June 7, 2026: The Sierra Leone Broadcasters Association (SiLBA) has advanced its nationwide certification drive by awarding official membership certificates to radio stations across the Northern Region during a ceremony held at Where Else Hotel, Makeni.
The event, which took place on Saturday, June 6, 2026, brought together broadcasters, regulators, journalists, station managers, and representatives of media support organizations. It marked the third phase of SiLBA’s membership formalization exercise, following similar engagements in Bo and Kenema.
Strengthening Professionalism
Welcoming participants, SiLBA’s Vice President described the occasion as a milestone for broadcasters, noting that the turnout reflected the association’s growing recognition as a key stakeholder in advancing the interests of radio practitioners nationwide.
Representing the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), the North Regional Chairperson commended SiLBA’s leadership for sustaining its vision. She emphasized that while SLAJ remains the umbrella body for journalists, SiLBA plays a unique role in addressing the specific challenges of broadcasters, including financial pressures and competition from digital platforms.
Collaboration with Regulators
Northern Regional Director of the Independent Media Commission (IMC), Samura, praised SiLBA for fostering collaboration among broadcasters and regulators. He noted that constructive dialogue has reduced complaints and improved compliance with media regulations. He also urged station owners to meet their financial obligations despite economic challenges.
The Chairperson of Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL) North applauded SiLBA for promoting unity and called for greater gender inclusion in station management. She stressed that increasing female leadership would strengthen and diversify the industry.
SiLBA’s Vision
Delivering the keynote address, SiLBA President Stanley Bangura reflected on the association’s growth since its establishment. He reaffirmed SiLBA’s commitment to engaging policymakers on registration requirements, operational challenges, and reforms.
Bangura emphasized that radio remains the most trusted source of information for Sierra Leoneans despite the rise of social media. He announced plans to establish an equipment support hub to help stations access standard broadcasting tools, citing recent fire incidents that exposed vulnerabilities in the sector.
He further disclosed that SiLBA has secured support from the United States Embassy in Sierra Leone for a capacity‑building programme benefiting fifteen members, and highlighted the association’s growing international profile, with five members representing SiLBA in China in 2025.
Certified Stations
Certificates were presented to several radio stations, including:
Hope Radio FM 93.3
Galaxy FM 106.1
Mankneh FM Radio 96.1
Shakom Radio FM 89.5
Khalifa Radio FM 89.4
Gbaft Radio FM 91.3
Amzas Radio FM 96.9
Shalom Radio FM 93.3
SLBC Radio FM 88.1
Bintumani Radio FM 93.7
Marwopnet Radio FM 88.4
The Makeni ceremony concluded with renewed calls for professionalism, unity, and inclusivity in broadcasting. SiLBA is expected to continue the certification initiative in Freetown, consolidating its membership base and strengthening the future of broadcasting in Sierra Leone.