IMC Annual Report

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INDEPEN

DENTM

EDIACO

MMISSION

ANNUAL REPORT 2005


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IMC ANNUAL REPRT 2005


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Foreword 1

Executive Summary 3

1. Background Information 4

2. Composition of the Commission 5

3. Committees of the Commission and their activities 7

4. Other major activities of the Commission 9

5. General 11

6. Financial Report 13

7. IMC Three-Year Strategic Plan (2006 2008) 15

8. Constraints 16

9. Conclusion and signature 16

10. Appendices:

-I. 2005 Financial Statements 17

-II. Newspapers that registered with the IMC in 2005 21

-III. Radio and Television Stations that registered with the IMC in 2005 21

-IV. DTH/DSTV agencies that registered with the IMC in 2005 22

-IVA. Complete list of DTH/DSTV agencies in Sierra Leone 22

-V. Complete list of registered newspapers in Sierra Leone 23

-VI. Complete list of registered radio and television stations in S/Leone 24

-VII. Complaints received from the public in 2005 25

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CONTENTS


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Page ii


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Sierra Leones strategies to promote good governance in-

clude the establishment of institutions that will sustain and

respond to the core democratic principles and values. One

such institution is the Independent Media Commission. Set

up in 2000 by an Act of Parliament, the Commissions first

few years of existence witnessed a host of problems. These

included the location of the Commissions office within the

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, which led people

to perceive the IMC as another arm of the Ministry, unclarity

of the status and role of the Chairman due to the wording of

this section of the IMC Act and several lapses in the manage-

ment of the Commissions funds. The latter led to allegations

of forgery and financial malpractices, which have been thesubject of a court case against the former Executive Secre-

tary since September 2004.

The non-existence of a Media Code of Practice, which ac-

cording to the Act, had to be contravened by a media institu-

tion for it to be brought to book has been a very thorny issue.

The Act is also silent on several pertinent issues relating to

arbitration and imposition of penalties in respect of com-

plaints by the public.

During the past year, the Commission took steps to address

these matters. With the assistance of DFID which provided

the initial funds for the renting of neutral premises, the IMC

had moved out of the offices of the Ministry of Information

and Broadcasting since 2002. In 2005, the Commission paid

the rent from its funds, thus raising its posture as an inde-

pendent and autonomous body.

The status of the Chairman has also been given due atten-

tion. The proposed amendment of this Section of the Act is

expected to put an end to conflicts between the Chairman and

the Executive Secretary which plagued the smooth running

of the Commission in its formative years.

Mechanisms have been put in place for robust financial

management to enhance accountability and probity.

Rules and regulations governing the conduct of the media

and the Media Code of Practice have been developed and are

now awaiting the attention of Parliament. These instruments

are expected to serve as useful guide to media institutions forself regulation and strengthen the authority of the IMC to

carry out its functions more effectively and efficiently.

Two of the Commissions several mandates are to protect

the freedom of the media, while at the same time protect

the interests of the public against exploitation and undueabuse by the media. This in effect means that while the

public looks to the IMC for protection, the media institu-

tions also expect the IMC to jealously guard press freedom

with all its ramifications.

The Commission believes that the public should under-

stand the role of the media as the fourth estate, to minimise

conflict between the two parties, while the journalists

themselves should endeavour to practice the profession

with maturity, good naturedness, sobriety and a keen sense

of responsibility. It is the duty of the media to monitor the

activities and performances of the government and report

on these to the public. The media is also expected to bring

to the public information on other institutions of public

trust, mobilise, assess and represent public opinion, so that

the views and aspirations of the people will be reflected in

the nations development efforts. Also, the media must not

only concern itself with exposing the ills of society, but

must also portray positive developments to create that bal-

ance that should attract entrepreneurs and investors.

Page 1

FOREWORD

The Chairperson of the IMC, Mrs. Bernadette Cole


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All of this should however be done with impeccable accu-

racy and objectivity and a conscious effort to present all sides

of the issue.

It thus behoves people in positions of authority to ensure

that they carry out their activities and responsibilities with

openness, honesty and dexterity, in the realisation that they

are accountable to the people. The promotion of public ac-

countability is indeed the cornerstone of the future develop-

ment of Sierra Leone.

The Commission is pleased to launch its maiden report,

which brings to stakeholders and other interested parties in-

formation on the activities of the IMC in 2005 and its finan-

cial report. A copy has been forwarded to the Auditor- Gen-

eral for auditing. This endeavour is an important first step in

giving an annual account of the Commissions stewardship

from now on.

Bernadette Cole

CHAIRPERSON, IMC

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The Independent Media Commission (IMC) was established

by an Act of Parliament in 2000 as an autonomous body for

the regulation of mass media institutions and for other mat-

ters connected therewith.

The Commissions major functions, among others, are to

promote a free and pluralistic media throughout Sierra

Leone; to ensure that media institutions achieve the highest

level of efficiency in the provision of radio services, protect

the interest of the public against exploitation or abuse by

media institutions, and above all advise government on me-

dia Policy formulation and development.

The Commission started operation in 2001 with the full

compliment of eleven (11) Commissioners and the Executive

Secretary. The British Governments Department for Inter-

national Development (DFID) provided the initial funds to

cover the rent for two years when the Commission relocated

from the Ministry of Information at Youyi Building in 2002

to its current premises at 54, Siaka Stevens Street in order to

maintain its independence as provided in the IMC Act 2000.

At the end of the tenure of the former Chairman of the Com-

mission Mr. Francis Conteh in February 2005, Commis-

sioner Bernadette Cole was appointed Chairperson by H.E.

President Alhaji Dr. Ahmed Tejan Kabbah in consultation

with the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) .

The Commission currently consists of nine (9) Commission-

ers with two vacant positions and nine (9) secretariat person-

nel.

The work of the Commission is done by Committees, viz:-

Complaints Committee, Technical Committee, Policy Com-

mittee and Applications Committee. Ad hoc committees are

established from time to time to carry out specific pro-

grammes. The decisions of all committees are sent to the

Board for approval, after which they are implemented by the

secretariat.

The major activities undertaken by the Commission in 2005

included:

the establishment of a media award scheme to promote

professional journalism in report writing the development of a Resource Centre for journalists

nationwide consultation workshops on the call for the

repeal of the defamation and seditious libel laws em-

bodied in the 1965 Public Order Act

The holding of Press Conferences and issuing of press

releases to update the public on the activities of the

IMC.

Major funding for the Commission comes from the Gov-

ernment. The Commission also receives funding from fees,

fines, donations and donor support for specific projects and

programmes.

Like any institution, the Commission has its peculiar con-straints. These are mainly in the areas of finance, office

equipment and logistics support.

The IMC witnessed substantial progress in 2005. The arbi-

tration role robustly carried out by the Commission helped

to diffuse tension between journalists and the public.

It is believed that the nation is now aware of the role of the

IMC and has started to channel complaints to the Commis-

sion for arbitration. All that the Commission now requiresis empowerment by the Government and other stakeholders

to carry out its functions more effectively.

Page 3

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY


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1.0 BACKGROUND

1.1 Establishment of the Independent Media Com-

mission

The Independent Media Commission was established by an

Act of Parliament in 2000 as an autonomous body for the

regulation of mass media institutions and for other matters

connected therewith.

1.2 Functions of the CommissionPart III Section 8 (1) of the IMC Act 2000 states that the ob-

jects for which the Commission was established are:

a. to promote a free and pluralistic media throughout

Sierra Leone;

b. to ensure that media institutions achieve the highest

level of efficiency in the provision of media ser-

vices;

c. to promote fair competition among media institu-

tions and persons engaged in the provision of media

services;

d. to protect the interest of the public against exploita-

tion or abuse by media institutions; and

e. to promote technological research and the develop-

ment of adequate human resources for the advance-

ment of the media industry throughout Sierra

Leone.

Without prejudice to Section 8(1) above, the Act states

also that it shall be the function of the Commission to:-

a. advise the Minister on Media Policy formulation

and development;

b. ensure strict compliance with this Act and regula-

tions made under it;

c. establish categories of Licences and grant such

licences to electronic media institutions in Sierra

Leone;

d. prescribe minimum percentage of total broadcasthours to be devoted to public service programmes

by various types and categories of electronic me-

dia institutions;

e. maintain a register of media institutions, newspa-

pers and magazines published in Sierra Leone;

f. establish clear limits on media ownership, includ-

ing cross media ownership in the interest of

diversity;

g ensure that every person shall have, irrespective

of that persons race, colour, sex, language, relig

ion, political or other opinion, national, ethnic or

social origins, property, disability, birth or other

Page 4

INDEPENDENT MEDIA COMMISSION

ANNUAL REPORT 2005

Some members of the Board L-R Commissioners Mr. Christo Johnson. Dr. Abubakar Kargbo, Mr. Adewole Bell, Mrs Cassandra

Davies, Ms Patricia Macauley and Mr. Sam Metzger. Mr Francis Davies in the background.


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status, access to fair coverage in the broadcast me

dia all such things as may contribute to the attain

ment of the objects of the Commission.

h. compile and adopt a comprehensive Media Code

of Practice, in consultation with the Sierra

Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), and any

other media practitioners association.

1.3 Location and commencement of operations of

the Commission

The Independent Media Commission went into operation in

2001 and was originally housed in the Ministry of Informa-

tion and Broadcasting, 8th Floor Youyi Building, Brook-

fields with full complement of eleven (11) Commissioners

and one (1) Executive Secretary.

In order to maintain its independence as provided in the Act,

the Commission relocated to its present address at 54, Siaka

Stevens Street in 2003 so that it cannot be viewed or per-

ceived to be a department within the Ministry of Information

and Broadcasting. The British Governments Department for

International Development (DFID) provided the initial funds

to cover the rent for the first two years for the current prem-

ises. In 2005, the Commission paid the renewal rent from itsfunds.

2.0 COMPOSITION OF THE COMMISSION

2.1 Commissioners

Commissioner Bernadette Cole - Chairperson

Commissioner Francis L. Davies )- Experts in the field of

telecommunications

Commissioner Cassandra Davies )

Commissioner Patricia Macauley )- Experts in the field of

Radio/Television

Commissioner ) - Vacant

Commissioner Sam J. E. Metzger )- Expert in the field of

Print journalism

Commissioner Dr. Abubakar Kargbo)

Commissioner Anthony Brewah )- Legal Practitioner

Commissioner )- Vacant

Commissioner Christo Johnson ) - Ex-officio member,

representing SLAJ

Commissioner P. Ade Bell ) - Ex-officio member,representing the Minister of Information and Broadcasting

A new Chairman in the person of Mrs. Bernadette Cole

was appointed by the President on the 15th February 2005

in consultation with the Sierra Leone Association of Jour

nalists (SLAJ) to replace the erstwhile Chairman, Mr.

Francis Conteh whose tenure was to have ended on the 29th

of February 2005. According to the letter of appointment,

the new Chairperson was to assume office on the 1st of

April, 2005 to effect a smooth handing-over of the reins of

leadership of the Commission. Unfortunately, Mr. Francis

Conteh fell ill at the beginning of February and died on the

26th of that month.

By its current composition, two new Commissioners are to

be appointed a legal practitioner and an expert in the field

of radio and television - to constitute the full membership

of the Board as provided by the Act.

Secretariat Staff

Mr. Francis Ganda - Executive Secretary

Mrs. Iyamide Oduyoye - Chief Accountant

Mr. Arnold Lake - Accounting Assistant

Ms. Emma Kai - Office Secretary

Ms. Regina Taylor - Office Assistant

Mr. Doe Dixon - Driver (Terminated in

July, 2005)Mr. Bockarie Ngevao - Messenger

Mr. Bockarie Konneh - Cleaner

Following the interdiction and dismissal of the former Ex-

ecutive Secretary in 2004 on allegations of forgery and mis

appropriation of funds, which matter has been before the

courts since September 2004, a new Executive Secretary

was appointed in November 2005. He is Mr. Francis D.

D. Ganda.

Until this appointment, the Chairperson, whose role is to

give direction and leadership to the Commission, super-

vised the work of the Secretariat as well as the overall

functions of the Commission.

In June, 2005, the Commission appointed a competent and

qualified Accountant, who has been able to set good ac

counting practice in place. With the appointment of an

Executive Secretary almost at the close of the year under

review and a Chief Accountant, the Commission seems

to be on a steady administrative keel.

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Page 6

The Office Secretary, Ms Emma Kai and Reception-

ist/Office Assistant Ms Regina Taylor at work

ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANOGRAM

CHAIRPERSON

COMMISSIONERS

EXECUTIVE SECRETARY

CHIEF ACCOUNTANT

ACCOUNTS ASSISTANT

OFFICE SECRETARY

DRIVER

OFFICE ASSISTANT

MESSENGERCLEANER


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3. 0 COMMITTEES OF THE COMMIS-SION AND THEIR ACTIVITIES

3.1 Board of the CommissionThe Board of the Independent Media Commission ensures

that the mandate and functions of the Commission as stipu-

lated in the Act are reflected in the activities of the Commis-

sion. In 2005, the Commission held sixteen (16) regular

Board Meetings. The following major issues were deliber-

ated upon:

Arbitration between the general public and

media institutions

Registration of media institutions Monitoring and evaluation of media institutions

Development of Rules and Regula-

tions governing the operations of me-

dia institutions in Sierra Leone/Media

Code of Practice

Amendment of the IMC Act 2000 to

make it more relevant to the current

situation of the media and anoma-

lies/issues that were unforeseen by the

drafters of the Act. Nation-wide Sensitization and Consul-

tative programmes with the public on

the issue of the call by SLAJ to repeal

the defamation and seditious libel laws

Administrative and financial matters

In general, the functions of the Commission are

carried out by Committees, whose recommendations

are forwarded to the Board for deliberation and ratification.

The Secretariat implements the decisions of the Board.

The Committees of the Commission are currently as fol-

lows:

3.2 Policy Committee

This Committee comprises the following members:

-Commissioner Bernadette Cole - Chairperson

-Commissioner Patricia Macauley

-Commissioner Francis Davies

-Commissioner Cassandra Davies

-Alhaji I. B. Kargbo (President SLAJ)

-Dr. Julius Spencer (co-opted)

-Mr. Francis Gabbidon (co-opted)

-Mr. Isaac Massaquoi (SLAJ Representative)

-Mr. Joshua Nicol (SLAJ Representative)

-Mr. Christian Keili (SLAJ Representative)

-Ms. Hannah Foullah (co-opted)

The major responsibility of this committee during the year

was to finalise the draft of the Rules and Regulations gov

erning the operations of the media in Sierra Leone and Me

dia Code of Practice and the review of the IMC Act. Work

on this exercise culminated in the holding of a two-day

residential workshop of all stakeholders including SLAJ at

the Javouhey House in June 2005. The workshop was

officially opened by H.E. President Alhaji Tejan Kabbah.

A representative from Panos Insititute of West Africa

(PIWA) served as Resource person. Several recommenda

tions were made at the workshop for amendments and a

seven member committee comprising six members of

SLAJ and one Commissioner was appointed to finalise the

document.

The revised document has been submitted to the Minister

of Information & Broadcasting for necessary action.

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COMMITTEES OF THE COMMISSION

President Ahmed Tejan Kabbah(centre) officially launched

the workshop organized by the IMC to finalise the Media

Code of Practice. Others in the photograph are L-R SLAJ

President, Alhaji I.B.Kargbo , the Chairperson of the Parl.Oversight Comm, Janet Sam-King, IMC Chair, Bernadette

Cole, Comm. Sam Metzger and Mr. Alimamy Bathily, PANOS

rep


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3.3 Complaints Committee

This committee comprises the following members:

Commissioner Anthony Brewah (Chairman)

Commissioner Bernadette Cole Commissioner Christo Johnson

Commissioner Cassandra Davies

Commissioner Patricia Macauley

Commissioner Abu Bakarr Kargbo

Commissioner P. Ade Bell

Commissioner Sam J. E Metzger

Haja Halima Abdullah (co-opted)

Mrs. Georgette de Marke (co-opted)

The Complaints Committee is responsible for inquiring intocomplaints against the contravention of the Media Code of

Practice and for arbitration between the public and media

institutions. During the year, the Commission received a

total of 27 complaints from the public against various news-

papers and one radio station. (See Appendix). According to

the Commissions policy, all complaints are treated with the

same urgency, importance, objectivity, impartiality and neu-

trality.

The modus operandi of the committee could be compared

to that of an informal magistrate court setting. Complain-

ants and Defendants are summoned in writing to hearings at

the Secretariat. Complainants are requested to submit their

complaints in the presence of the defendants and the defen-

dants are also given an opportunity to defend themselves.

The proceedings are recorded and at the end of the hearings,

the Committee deliberates on all the information at its dis-

posal pertaining to the complaint. This includes more im-

portantly, the media organisations evidence/materials to

substantiate the allegations that are often the subject of the

complaint. The Committees decision on the matter is com-

municated to the Board in the form of a report followed by

recommendations for ratification.

During the year, recommendations to the Board following

deliberation of complaints by the Committee could be sum-

marized as follows:

Retraction and apology

Where a newspaper publishes an article, which is perceived

as defamatory and the Editor cannot substantiate his storyduring hearings, the Committee will request that the vexa

tious or defamatory article should be retracted giving it

prominence in the next edition of the newspaper. That

retraction should be followed by a letter of apology to

the aggrieved party, a copy of which should be submit-

ted to the Secretariat.

If, however, the Editor substantiates his story to the

satisfaction of the Complaints Committee, the matter is

dismissed.

Fine (Le500,000)

Where the offending newspaper refuses to comply with the

decision of the Commission to retract and apologise, the

Commission writes three reminder letters for compliance.

After the third reminder, the Commission then levies a

fine of Le500,000 (Five hundred thousand Leones) as pro

vided by the IMC Act 2000.

Further action for non-compliance

The present IMC Act 2000 does not empower the Commis-

sion to take further action. One media institution, PEEP

has refused to pay fines levied against it for blatantly re-

fusing to retract its story and apologise. This situation

arises from the weakness of the IMC Act 2000 and the

absence of Rules and Regulations governing the operationsof the media and the Media Code of Practice. The Com-

mission in collaboration with SLAJ has taken steps to

amend the IMC Act and to forward it together with the

other documents mentioned above to the Minister of Info-

rmation and Broadcasting to be tabled in Parliament.

It is hoped that these instruments will strengthen the au-

thority of the IMC to carry out its functions more effect-

tively and efficiently.

However, in sum, apart from this incidence, the Com-

mission succeeded in amicably resolving several com-

plaints during the period under review. (see annex).

3.4 Technical Committee

This Committee consists of the following members:-

-Commissioner Francis Davies - Chairman

-Commissioner Cassandra Davies

-Mr. Alex Fergusson-Nicol (co-opted member)

-Mr. Bunting-Wright (co-opted member)

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The Technical Committee is responsible for verifying that

the technical requirements for establishing an electronic me-

dia institution are met. During the year under review, the

Technical Committee interviewed and scrutinized applica-

tions submitted by people and institutions to operate radio

and television broadcasting stations, DTH/DSTV in the

country. Those applicants that met the requirements were

recommended for frequency allocations and by the end of

the year, a total of four (4) community radio stations, one (1)

commercial radio station, four (4)television stations and three

(3)DTH/DSTV agencies that had applied for licenses in 2005

had been approved. By the end of the year all the radio sta-

tions were operational, only two DTH/DSTV agencies had

started operations but only one television station ABC was

functional. This brings the number of radio stations operating

in the country to 32 and television stations to 2 (ABC and

SLBS Freetown) and DTH/DSTV operators to 4.

The Committee carried out familiarization and monitoring

visits to registered community radio and television stations

across the country to ascertain conformity with the provi-

sions in the IMC Act. This exercise covered some of the

stations in the Western Area, Bo, Kenema, Makeni and Mile

91.

It is worth noting that almost all the regions of the country

can now access information through their respective com-

munity radio stations. The university campus at Fourah Bay

College now has a teaching radio station, Radio Mount

Aureol which is expected to provide the necessary training

along with other trainers including INFORMOTRAC for

operators of the radio stations.

3.5 Applications Committee

This Committee consists of the following members:

- Commissioner Sam J. E. Metzger - Chairman

- Commissioner Christo Johnson

- Commissioner Dr. Abu Bakarr Kargbo

- Commissioner Cassandra Davies

Commissioner Patricia Macauley

It is responsible for receiving and screening applications for

licensing and registration of print media institutions.

During the year under review, the Committee inter-

viewed and recommended the registration of seven

newspapers, thus bringing the total number of regis-

tered newspapers to 39. The Committee also visited

the facilities of registered newspapers.

The Commission however notes that the print media is

concentrated in the Western Area. The reason might be

obvious because the greater readership is found in

Freetown. Now that there is peace and the decentrali-

zation process on full course, the Commission would

like to see newspaper houses established in the provin-

cial headquarter towns.

3.6 Secretariat Staff Meetings

The Secretariat staff met on a weekly basis with the Chair-

person to plan the activities of the Commission. These

meetings focused mainly on ensuring that decisions

taken at the Regular Board Meetings and at the Com-

mittees were being implemented.

4.0 OTHER MAJOR ACTIVITIES OF THE

COMMISSION

4.1 Establishment of the annual media awards

scheme

To address one of its mandates, which is to ensure that

media institutions achieve the highest level of effi-

ciency in the provision of media services, the Board of

the Independent Media Commission established an

annual media award scheme in 2005, with the support

of the leading mobile company, CELTEL. It set up a

Committee of media stakeholders with the followingmembers to organize the awards ceremony:

- Mr. Joshua Nicol (co-opted) - Chairman

- Dr. Julius Spencer (co-opted)

- Mr. Christo Johnson - Commissioner

- Mr. Kenneth Osho (co-opted)

- Mr. Francis Gabbidon (co-opted)

- Mrs. Georgette de Marke (co-opted)

- Mrs. Bernadette Cole - Commissioner

Media practitioners were requested to send in entries in the

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following categories in both the print and electronic media:

Best radio/TV reportage on development issues

Best news features

Best investigative report

Best original sport reportage

The entries were to be original and should take the form of

articles published in newspapers or magazines or pro-

grammes aired on radio or Television between January 1 and

October 30, 2005.

To ensure fairness, transparency and unbiased assessment of

the entries, the judges were chosen, as far as possible, from

among expatriates with background in mass communication,

who were serving in various organisations in Sierra Leone.

38 entries were received. Prizes in the form of trophies and

cash provided by CELTEL were awarded to eight winners.

4.2 Development of a Resource Centre

The urge to ensure that media institutions achieve the high-

est level of efficiency in the provision of media services and

promote research (two of the requirements in the Commis-

sions mandate), found expression in the development of a

Resource Centre during the year. With assistance from

DFID, work on the establishment of the Resource Centre

progressed satisfactorily. The Centre which is housed in the

IMCs Secretariat is expected to be officially opened for use

by journalists and other interested persons in the first quarter

of 2006.

4.3Repeal of the defamation and seditious libel laws

Over the past two years, several calls were made by civil

society, including SLAJ for the repeal of

the defamation and seditious libel laws.

The IMC monitored this development and

participated in seminars and workshops

organized by civil society organizations to

deliberate on this matter.

In September 2005, the IMC received a

letter from H.E. the President expressing his

thoughts on calls for the repeal of the 1965

Public Order Act regarding the defamation

and seditious libel laws.

As the body charged with the responsibility

to advise the government on media policies,

the IMC was requested to advise the President on the issue.

The first step taken by the IMC was to conduct a press con-

ference to: sensitise journalists about the content of the Public

Order Act

to discuss with them the content of the Presidents

letter which included the suggestion for an insurance

to be paid by each media organization against damages

in libel suits as an alternative to the defamation and

seditious libel laws

to solicit suggestions from them for an alternative

mechanism that would adequately protect the citizens

against undue abuse by the media if the defamationand seditious libel laws were repealed.

Relevant papers were presented at the Press Conference by

the Sierra Leone Bar Association, the Sierra Leone Ass

ciation of Journalists, the Law Officers Department and

the IMC.

The Press Conference was followed by a series of sensiti-

zation and consultative phone-in discussion programmes on

most of the radio stations in the western area. Workshops

and radio discussion programmes were also held in the

Page 10

Two members of the annual Media Awards Scheme Committee L-R Mr.

Joshua Nicol, Chairman and Dr. Julius Spencer.


15/34

southern and northern provinces to consult with the citi-

zenry on their views on the issue. All of these activities

were supported by funds from the IMC. By the close of the

year, the IMC funds were exhausted and the Commission

appealed to ENCISS for financial assistance to cover the

sensitization and consultation programme in the eastern

province. The initial response is positive and coverage of

the eastern province has been planned for February 2006.

The sensitization and consultation programme will culmi

nate in a two-day wrap up national position seminar to beheld in Freetown in 2006 with funding from the UNDP .

From the nation-wide consultations, three scenarios have so

far emerged. There are those who believe that the defama-

tion and seditious libel laws should be totally expunged

from the 1965 Public Order Act and should not be replaced

by anything. Others feel that the custodial sentences

should be repealed and replaced by huge fines, while others

believe that given the frequency with which the public is

being unjustly libeled by the press through irresponsible

reporting, the laws should be kept as they are for the time

being.

It is expected that a consensus that will represent the national

position on the issue will emerge at the wrap-up national

position seminar in 2006 to enable the IMC transmit the

national view on the issue to State Lodge and the general

public.

To ensure that SLAJ is fully involved at every stage of this

task, a Repeal of the defamation and seditious libel laws

committee was appointed by the IMC with the membership

as follows:

Commissioner Bernadette Cole - Chairperson

Commissioner Cassandra Davies

Commissioner ChristoJohnson

Commissioner Abu Bakarr

Kargbo

Commissioner Patricia

Macauley

Mr. Pe te r T ayoung

(representing the international

community)

Alha j i I .B . Kargbo

(President of SLAJ)

Mr. Augustine Beecher

(representing SLAJ) Mr. Crispin Edwards

(representing the law)

Mr. Isaac Massaquoi

(representing SLAJ)

Mr. Ibrahim Karim Sei

(Secretary General of SLAJ)

5.0 GENERAL

In general, the year 2005 witnessed substantial progress in

the IMC. One of its key mandates, which is to develop

rules and regulations governing the operations of the mediaand a Media Code of Practice was taken up with zest by the

Commission with the active collaboration of the Sierra

Leone Association of Journalists. This exercise was pur-

sued simultaneously with the revision of the IMC Act to

synchronise the information in the Media Code of Practice

with that in the Act to minimize confusion in the future. It

is expected that these documents will provide much-needed

guidelines to journalists for self-regulation and strengthen

the authority of the IMC to carry out its functions more

effectively and efficiently.

The status of the Chairperson, which had been a subject of

concern by the Board over a long period, was addressed by

the Commission during the year under review. The Com

mission is of the view that from the experience of the past,

having a full-time Chairman as the Act prescribes and a

full-time Executive Secretary, each of them wanting to run

the day to day activities of the Commission will continue to

plague the incumbents with frequent conflicts, frustration

and bitterness. In the experience of the IMC, this situation

led the former Chairman to concentrate more on his legal

Page 11

The Sensitisation and Consultation team comprising of three commissioners and Executive Sec-

retary of the IMC and four reps from SLAJ pose for a group photograph in Makeni


16/34

pursuits and very little on the chairmanship and provision

of checks and balances in the handling of the Commis-

sions funds. This situation lent itself to several anomalies

and could in fact be attributed as one of the reasons for the

alleged forgery and misappropriation of the Commissions

funds by the former Executive Secretary, which matter is

still in Court. A chairman who is not involved in the run-

ning of the day to day business of the Commission but pro-

vides leadership and direction to the work of the Secretariat

will provide the necessary checks and balances that will

enhance the smooth running of the Commission. Also it is

the firm conviction of the Board that a chairman who gets

his salary from elsewhere is more likely to maintain the

independence that is required of the

Commission, than one who depends

on emoluments from the

Commission for his upkeep. This

position of the Board on this issue is

reflected in the amendment of this

section of the IMC Act, which

document is currently being processed

for the attention of parliament.

Throughout the year, the Commission

continued to jealously guard its inde-pendence to ensure that it is not

compromised. At no time did any arm

of government attempt to

mastermind the activities of the

Commission or influence its work.

All complaints before the Commis-

sion were treated with the same impor-

tance, objectivity, impartiality and neutrality. One

newspaper PEEP which wanted the Commission to come

out with a ruling in its favour, despite the fact that it could

not substantiate the allegation which was the subject of the

complaint before the Commission and not the extraneous

circumstances surrounding the matter, decided to use

unsavoury articles to vilify the Commission in its subsequent

publications. As mature and responsible citizens, the

Commissioners decided to ignore the papers provocative

articles and to continue to focus its energies on more produc-

tive pursuits. The Editor of the PEEP must however be

warned that no citizen including journalists is above the law.

The number of complaints that were lodged at the Commis-

sion during the year and the nature of the offending articles

suggest to the Commission that there is need for training in

investigative journalism and media law and ethics for re

porters. The Commission will endeavour to source funds

during the year to carry out training in these areas.

The IMC must congratulate all those newspapers that came

out regularly and were never brought before the Commis-

sion with complaints throughout the year.

The Independent Media Commission (IMC) though small

in stature, has a gigantic task ahead, if it should perform

effectively and efficiently.

From the registration of a handful of newspapers, one gov-

ernment owned radio and TV station and two independent

radio stations in 2001 when the Commission was estab-

lished, there are now close to 40 newspapers and 33 radio

and TV stations. Almost every area of Sierra Leone can

now access a community radio station.

This growth of media institutions reflects the hard work

and commitment of the Commissioners in facing the chal-

lenge of promoting free and pluralistic media throughout

Sierra Leone. With the spread of media throughout the

country, the Commission now faces the challenge of moni-

toring their activities to ensure that they operate within the

limits of the IMC Act and the Media Code of Practice.

Page 12

Two members of the IMC Policy Committee that worked on the Media Code of Practice

L-R The Ombudsman, Mr. Francis Gabbidon and Mr. Christian Keili of SLAJ


17/34

Page 13

This calls for decentralization of the IMC by establishing

units in the headquarter towns. This issue will be given

considerable thought and discussion with relevant

stakeholders during the year, with a view to developing a

viable proposal and action plan.

The Commission would like to take this opportunity to thank

the Government for giving it a free hand to pursue its man-

date without any interference. It must also thank the govern-

ment for its annual subvention and to request that considera-

tion be given for an increase to assist it meet its growing ac

tivities.

The Commission also registers its profound gratitude to

DFID, PANOS Institute of West Africa and CELTEL forproviding funding to actualize some of its programmes and

projects during the year under review.

Special thanks go to other partners including the Media

Foundation for West Africa, the UNDP, IFJ, WAJA, the

US Embassy, the British High Commission, the British

Council, the German Embassy, SLAJ, ENCISS, Sam King

Services, the Mass Communication Department at Fourah

Bay College, C-MET, the Ministry of Information and

Broadcasting and all media organizations operating in the

country for their cooperation.

6.0 2005 FINANCIAL REPORT

Media development is a very important factor in any de

mocratic process. The establishment of the Independent

Media Commission (IMC) clearly indicates governments

commitment to the freedom of expression by the media,

while providing a mechanism for the protection of the

rights of the citizens and the journalists themselves

through regulation by an independent body.

There is now a remarkable awareness of the need for infor-

mation dissemination in the country. Unlike the past, civil

society is now getting involved in the establishment of

electronic media as well as serving as agents for direct to

home satellite broadcasting. If not properly regulated, the

convergence of all these media could become counterpro

ductive. These developments call for increased financial

support for the IMC to enable it perform its functions ef-

fectively.

The Commission had bad experience with regard to finan-

cial management in the last administration. This is reflected

in the Auditor-Generals report for 2002-2004. However,

with the appointment of a new Chairperson and a Chief

Accountant who have left no stone unturned in ensuring

accountability and probity in all financial transactions of the

commission, the situation has improved considerably. Sev-

eral mechanisms have been put in place to maintain checks

and balances and for regular financial reports to be submit-

ted to the Board.

6.1 Funding

Major funding for the year under review came from the

government. Other sources of funding were from fees col-lected for applications, registrations, licenses, fines, dona-

tions and donor support to specific projects and pro-

grammes.

In June 2005, following a request from the IMC to Panos

Institute of West Africa (PIWA) for financial support for

the organization of a two-day residential workshop at

Javouhey House to deliberate on the draft media code of

practice, a sum of Le15.8m was received.

A request to DFID for assistance in the setting up of a re

source centre for journalists in the IMC Secretariat also

attracted funding to the tune of Le33,585,000.

CELTEL supported the maiden IMC/CELTEL media

awards ceremony through the provision of the trophies and

cash prizes. CELTEL also underwrote the expenses

incurred at the Kimbima hotel where the awards ceremony

and cocktails were held

.


18/34


19/34

7.0 I M C THREE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN [2006 2008]

The Commission envisages growth between 2006 and 2008 in terms of its overall operations and the establishment of monitoringunits in the provinces. 2006 and 2008 are years immediately before and after the elections when media institutions are expected to

cover pre- and post- election activities. The Commission would therefore like to collaborate with other stakeholders to conduct

training to raise the level of efficiency of the media in reporting in this area.

It is against this background that the Commission has developed a three-year strategic plan as follows:-

Page 15

OBJECTIVE ACTIVITIES EXPECTED OUT-COME

FY 2006 FY 2007 FY 2008

1. To strengthen theinstitutional capac-ity of the Commis-sion so as to pro-mote a free and

pluralistic mediathroughout SierraLeone

. Provide an efficientwork environment

. Train staff

. Provide better terms

& conditions of service

.Procure official vehi-cle

An efficient work envi-

ronment provided

. S t a f f m e m b e r s

equipped to carry outtheir duties

Personnel policy es-tablished

.Official vehicle pro-cured

151,000,000

3,500,000

103,218,000

60,000,000

221,000,000

3,500,000

118,700,000

-

223,500,000

5,000,000

136,505,805

-

2. To ensure thatmedia institutionsachieve the highestlevel of efficiency inthe promotion ofmedia services so asto improve their

institutional capac-ity

.Establish a ResourceCentre.

.Seminars and work-shops for media prac-titioners

. Radio/TV talk shows

and discussions na-tionwide

.Monitoring & evalua-tion of media facilities

A viable Resource

Centre established

. Media training work-shops for media prac-titioners held

. Monthly IMC talkshows held

. Quarterly visits tomedia houses con-ducted

2,000,000

10,000,000

4,000,000

15,000,000

2,000,000

10,000,000

4,000,000

15,000,000

2,000,000

12,000,000

4,000,000

15,000,000

3. To protect theinterest of the publicagainst exploitationor abuse by mediainstitutions and todrastically reducecomplaints

. Launch a MediaPolicy document

.Conduct workshopswith journalists on theRules and Regulations

. Hold regular meet-ings of the Complaints

Committee to resolveconflicts between jour-nalists and the public.

. A national MediaPolicy document pro-duced

. A considerable re-duction in the

number of complaintssent to the IMC.

16,000,000

37,500,000

19,000,000

43,000,000

22,000,000

43,000,000

4. To promote tech-nological researchand the develop-ment of adequatehuman resourcesfor the advancementof the media indus-try throughout Si-erra Leone

. Setting up of aninternet caf for re-search purposes.

. An internet researchcaf set up.

50,000,000 - -

5. Audit . To conduct a yearlyaudit of the IMC fi-

nancial records

. Yearly audit con-ducted

6,000,000 6,000,000 6,000,000

GRAND TOTAL 458,218,000 442,200,700 471,005,805


20/34

8.0 CONSTRAINTS

8.1 Financial constraints

As a young Commission, the IMC faces a great deal of financial

challenges. Journalists and the general public are yet to under-

stand and appreciate the important role of the Commission.

The budget within which the Commission operates is very lim-

ited. Even the projection made in the three-year strategic plan

will need an extraordinary effort to achieve some of the set ob-

jectives.

The Commission will therefore require government to review

its financial allocation upwards. More importantly, the Com-

mission will request for autonomy in the control of its revenue.

By so doing the true independent nature of the Commission willbe demonstrated and thus give confidence to its suspicious clien-

tele.

8.2 Office equipment

Since the establishment of the Commission in 2001, there has

been no procurement of office equipment. The existing officeequipment, especially, computers are defective and insufficient.

As a media regulatory body, the Commission is expected to be

current with events around the world. Therefore, the Commis-sion would need to be on line and also provide internet services

for journalists. This facility is non-existent at the moment.

The Commission will therefore require government and IMCs

partners to intervene in this direction so as to enhance the capac-

ity of the Commission.

Logistics support

A major constraint facing the Commission is the lack of logis-

tics support in the area of mobility. There is no vehicle or mo

torbike.

The Commission needs to continue its visitations of media in

stitutions nationwide. It cannot achieve this objective within thelimited budget.

The Commission will therefore require government and IMCs

partners to provide at least two very sturdy vehicles to facilitate

its activities. Allocations for visits cannot cope with the

market demands to hire commercial vehicles for the purpose

.This constraint needs urgent attention taking into account thepoints highlighted above.

9.0 CONCLUSION AND SIGNATURE

The IMC would like to assure all stakeholders that if the pro-

posals made in this report are given due attention it will per-

form its duties more efficiently and effectively.

Faithfully submitted

FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE INDEPENDENTMEDIA COMMISSION

..

Bernadette P. Cole (Mrs.)CHAIRPERSON

..

Date

Francis D. D. Ganda

EXECUTIVE SECRETARY

..

Date

Page 16


21/34

ANNEX 1FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Page 17

APPENDICES

ANNEX1A

IMC FINANCIAL STATEMENT

JANUARY - DECEMBER 2005

The Commission started the year with Le23,025,439 in its current account (Leone account)

and $ 3,976 in its US Dollar account.Both accounts are with the Sierra Leone Commerical Bank.

Although the Government approved a budget of Le64,310,400 for salary grants ,the actual amount

received was Le57,934,587. The government also approved a budget of Le101,300,000 for recurrent expens

but the actual amount received was Le84,133,800. From these amounts, the balance at the end of the year

The Commission also received funds through licence fees from radio stations and newspapers

and grants from donors. The total received during the year under review was Le 82,550,800

for the following programmes/projects of the Commission.

Grant from PANOS to fund the national media workshop - 15,800,000

Grant from DFID to fund the setting up of the Resource Centre - 33,585,000

Funds received from application and licence fees - 29,425,000

and the rest termed OTHERS -sale of vehicle and staff loan repayments etc 3,740,800

82,550,800

The Dollar account is maintained from international relay radio stations that pay their fees

in dollars. Only one station VOA paid in 2005

The details of all financial transactions are in the appendix attached.

Prepared by .. Approved by

Chief Accountant Chairperson


22/34


23/34

ANNEX 1C

Page 19

Income from Applications, Registrations, Licence and other donations (IMC leones ACCT)Line items Quarter one Quarter two Quarter three Quarter four TOTAL

Opening balance 23,025,439 23,025,439

Grant DFID 33,585,000 33,585,000

Grant PANOS 15,800,000 15,800,000

Application fees 350,000 675,000 300,000 150,000 1,475,000

Newspapers licence fees 300,000 600,000 900,000 800,000 2,600,000

Radio/tv licence fees 2,300,000 19,000,000 2,850,000 1,200,000 25,350,000

Donations towards chairman's funeral 200,000 - - - 200,000

Others(sale of official vehicle etc) 130,800 1,500,000 - 1,630,800

Government subvention - -

Transport hire/Localtravelling 2,000,000 3,000,000 5,000,000

Imprest 9,200,000 1,500,000 10,700,000

Honararium 3,810,000 4,000,000 7,810,000

Staff loan - 560,000 502,000 848,000 1,910,000

TOTALS 26,306,239 31,535,000 59,747,000 11,498,000 129,086,239

Expenses from IMC Funds

Line items Quarter one Quarter two Quarter three Quarter four TOTAL

Total expenses

Generator expenses 728,000 150,000 548,000 822,000 2,248,000Funeral exp.(late chairman F. Conteh) 1,000,000 2,742,500 - - 3,742,500

Staff welfare (allowances,bonus,loans) 445,000 2,890,000 4,141,800 6,073,469 13,550,269

Stationery & IMC mtgs 1,619,000 950,000 1,404,000 - 3,973,000

Telephone bills - 2,000,000 494,200 - 2,494,200

Curtains - 899,000 - - 899,000

Adverts - 1,020,000 - - 1,020,000

Office repairs - 220,000 310,000 - 530,000

Electricity bill - - 1,150,000 1,150,000

Water bills - 114,000 60,881 77,444 252,325

Imprest - 2,405,500 2,414,000 2,538,700 7,358,200

lawyer retainer fee - 2,500,000 2,500,000 5,000,000

Sitting allowances(Honararium) - 160,000 5,960,000 3,580,000 9,700,000

Monitoring visits(T/P hire) - 1,295,500 5,126,800 6,422,300

Workshop exp (PANOS) - 13,826,900 150,000 13,976,900

Resource Centre (DFID) 30,000,000 500,000 30,500,000

Computer repairs - 1,250,000 1,320,000 605,000 3,175,000

Miscellaneous - - 425,000 - 425,000

Bank charges - 143,030 160,669 104,333 408,032

TOTALS 3,792,000 18,739,530 61,065,450 23,227,746 106,824,726Excess income over expenses 31st Dec 2005 22,261,513

Independent Media Comission

Income and Expenditure Statement January - December 2005


24/34

ANNEX 1D

Page 20

Income from Applications, Registrations, Licence and other donations (IMC dollar acct)


Opening balance 3,976 - - - 3,976

Deposits made - - - -

Application fees -

Registration fees -

Annual licence fees 4,000 4,000

Other donations -

TOTALS 3,976 4,000 - - 7,976

Expenses from IMC Funds (IMC dollar acct)


Total expenses -

Bank charges 15 45 15 15 90

TOTALS 15 45 15 15 90

Excess income over expenses 31st Dec 2005 7,886

Independent Media Comission

Income and Expenditure Statement

January - December 2005


25/34

ANNEX II: NEWSPAPERS THAT REGISTERED WITH THE IMC IN 2005

ANNEX III: RADIO AND TELEVISION STATIONS THAT REGISTEREDWITH THE IMC IN 2005

No NAMES OF EDITORS NEWSPAPER ADDRESS

1. Dr. Sylvia Blyden Awareness Times 24 Garrison Street

2. Mr. Abdul Rahman-Swarray New Tempo 11 Regent Road

3 Mr. Victor Summer ATTAYA 11 Kissy Road

4 Mr. Ibrahim Karim Sei African Standard 31 Garrison Street

5. Ms. Betty Foray-Reid Evening Scoop 14 Lightfoot Boston St.

6. Mr. Victor Lewis Spectator 17 Pademba Road

7. Mr. Emmanuel Stafford City Voice 68 Regent Road

Page 21

No. Name of Station Address Frequency MHz Status

1. Radio Bontico Bonthe Town Council FM 96.9 MHz Community

2 Eastern Radio 56 Blama Road. Kenema FM 101.9 MHz Community

3 Radio Gbonkolenken Yele, Gbonkolenken Chiefdom FM 101.9 MHz Community

4 Radio Kolenten 11 Bai Farama Tass II Road, Kam- FM 104.0 MHz Commercial

5 Radio Mount Aureol Fourah Bay College (FBC) FM 107.3 MHz Community

6 ABC Television 5th Floor, Kissy House, 482.2MHz Commercial

7 Open Door Communica- 15 Bai Bureh Road, Kissy 578.0-584.0MHz Religious

8 Fortune Television 34A Fudia Terrace, Hill Station 250.0-262.4 MHz Commercial

9. Afritex Television 49 Waterloo Street, 263.2MHz-266.8MHz Commercial

10. Starr Television 2 Pyke Street, Freetown 2.108GHz Commercial


26/34

ANNEX IV: DTH/DSTV AGENCIES THAT REGISTERED WITH THE IMC IN2005

ANNEX IVA: COMPLETE LIST OF DTH/DSTV AGENCIES REGISTERED INSIERRA LEONE

Page 22


1. Trend Com 17 Pademba Road INTELSAT 907 Commercial

2 Trend TV 2 Charlotte Street INTELSAT 907 Commercial

3 Trend Sayasha c/o Alhaji Yayah Deen

7 College Road, Cline Town, Free-

town

INTELSAT 907 Commercial


1. Trend Com 17 Pademba Road INTELSAT 907 Commercial

2 Trend TV 2 Charlotte Street INTELSAT 907 Commercial

3 Trend Sayasha c/o Alhaji Yayah Deen

7 College Road, Cline Town, Free-

town

INTELSAT 907 Commercial

4. DSTV 39 Wilkinson Road, Freetown Commercial


27/34

ANNEX V: COMPLETE LIST OF NEWSPAPERS REGISTERED IN SIERRA LEONE

Page 23

No NAMES OF EDITORS NEWSPAPER ADDRESS1 Mr. Sahr Musa Yamba, Concord Times 51 Krootown Road

2 Mr. Ibrahim Karim Sei Standard Times 2A Ascension Town Road

3 Mr. A.B.S. Massaquoi New Vision 29 Rawdon Street

4 Mr. Christopher Koker Advocate 29 Rawdon Street

5 Mr. Richie Olu Gordon Peep Magazine 28 Savage Street

6 Mr. Osman Ben Kargbo New Citizen 7 Wellington Street

7 Mr. Williams J. Smith We Yone Newspaper 13 Pademba Road

8 Mr. Jonathan Leigh Independent Observer 29 Rawdon Street

9 Mr. Sydney Pratt The Trumpet Boot A1 Beaconsfield

Off Fergusson St

10 Mr. Sahr Mbriwa Independent Voice 1 Short Street

11 Mr. Charles N. Davies Christian Monitor 8 Howe Street

12 Mr. Foday Fofanah Herald Guardian 12 Bathurst Street

13 Mr. Desmond Conteh Rokel Times FW Inter. 11 Regent Road

14 Mr. S.W. Bockarie Comment 5 Edward Lane, F/town

15 Hon. Baba Conteh, Angel 5 Mary Street

16 Mr. Frank Kposowa Unity 29 Rawdon Street

17 Mr. Pious Foray Democrat 14A George Street

18 Mr. Jacob I. Koroma African Champion 1 Short Street19 Mr. Alpha R. Jalloh The Independent Lamina Sankoh Street

20 Mr. Christian Keili Salone Times 16 Upper Brook Street

21 Mr. Charles F. Davies Rural Network 60 Old Railway Line

22 Mr. Joseph Mboka Policy 8 Liverpool Street

23 Mr. Kelvin Lewis AWOKO 47 Percival Street

24 Mr. Foday Sesay Youth Forum 1 Short Street

25 Mr. Sule Musa Newday Magazine 69 Fort Street

26 Mr. Sheik Sesay Exclusive Newspaper 2 Circular Road

27 Mr. Tatafoe Tumoe The News 24 Rawdon Street

28 Harry Yansaneh For Di People 1 Short Street29 Mrs. Esme James Catalyst Magazine CLC Bookshop Circular Rd

30 Mass Comm Dept Aureol Torch C/o Mass Comm. Dept. FBC

31 Mr. Emmanuel Stafford City Voice 68 Regent Road

32 Ibrahim El Tayyib Bah The Post 31 Garrison Street

33 SLENA Sierra News 15 Wallace Johnson Street

34 Dr. Sylvia Blyden Awareness Times 24 Garrison Street

35 Mr. Abdul Rahman-Swarray New Tempo 11 Regent Road

36 Mr. Victor Summer ATTAYA 11 Kissy Road

37 Mr. Ibrahim Karim Sei African Standard 31 Garrison Street

38 Ms. Betty Foray-Reid Evening Scoop 14 Lightfoot Boston St.39 Mr. Victor Lewis Spectator 17 Pademba Road


28/34

ANNEX VI: COMPLETE RADIO AND TV STATIONS REGISTERED IN SL

Page 24

NO. NAME OF STATIONS

ADDRESS

FREQUENCY MHz1. Radio Gbaft Mile 91 Romankneh GBAFT 91.6 MHZ

2. BBN Believers Broadcasting Network

Pademba Road, Freetown

93.0 MHZ

3. Voice of the Handicapped 18J Oniel Street Quarry, Off Mends Street . 96.2 MHZ

4. Radio Democracy Signal Hill Freetown/7 Small Waterloo

Street

98.1 MHZ

5. Radio Maria Makeni 101.1 MHZ

6. Voice of America Leicester Village 102.4 MHz

7. Citizen FM Thunder Hill, Kissy, Freetown 103.7 MHz

8. KISS 104 BO 104.0 MHz

9. Sky-FM 106 Mount Joy 106.0 MHz

10. Radio Life Ventures 3 Soldier Street Freetown 97.2 MHz

11. Nongowa C/o Chief Suwu, Nyandema Kenema 101.3MHz

12. MOA Kenema Village Kailahun District 105.5 MHz

13. MODCAR 16 Mission Road, Moyamba 94.8 MHz

14. Voice of Islam 2 Yamson Lane, Kissy Shell, Freetown 103.0 MHz

15 Radio Mankneh 35 Missiri Street, Makeni 92.1 MHz

16 Capital Radio 49D Wilkinson Road 102.7 MHz

17 Radio New Song 73 Old Railway Line, Sewa Road, Bo 97.2 MHz,

18 Radio Bintumani Kabala Town 107.3 MHz

19 Voice of the Peninsula RadioTombo

2 Findley Street, Tombo Village 96.0 MHz

20 Ministry of Education Radio

Station

New England Ville 95.3MHz

21 Eastern Radio 56 Blama Road, Kenema 101.9MHz

22 Radio Kolenten Kambia 92.4MHz

23 Radio Bontico Bonthe Town Council 96.9MHz

24 Radio Gbonkonlenken 11 Bai Farama Tass Road Kambia 1

25. Radio UNAMSIL Aberdeen 103.0MHz

26 SLBS, Satellite Station Bo 96.5MHz

27 SLBS, Satellite Station Kenema 93.5MHz

28 SLBS, Satellite Station Kono/Koidu Town 90.2MHz

29. SLBS Makeni 103.0MHz

30 SLBS, New England New England 99.9 MHz

31 Radio Mount Aureol Mount Aureol, FBC FM107.3

32 Open Door Communication

TV

15 Bai Bureh Road, Kissy 576.0 -584.0MHz

33 Fortune Television 34A Fudia Terrace 2500MHz -2624MHz

34 Afritex TV 49 Waterloo Street 2.632-2.668GHZ

35 ABC TV 6th

Floor Kissy House,54 Siaka Stevens

Street

482.2MHZ

32 Radio France International c/o Kelvin Lewis FM 89.9MHz

36 SLBS, TV New England New England


29/34

ANNEX VII: COMPLAINTS RECEIVED FROM THE PUBLIC IN 2005

Page 25

NO. DATE IMC

RECEIVEDCOMPLAINT

NAME OF

COMPLAIN-ANT

OFFENDING

NEWSPAPER/

RADIO STA-TION

NATURE OF

COMPLAINTDECISION

TAKEN BYIMC

STATUS OF

THE COM-PLAINT/ DE-

CISIONTAKEN BY

IMC

1 27th Janu-

ary,2005

NACSA Independent

Voice

Libel against the

Deputy Com-

missioner

The newspaper

was order to

publish a retrac-

tion of the story

and apologise

The newspaper

complied

2 14th March,2005 The Sierra

Leone Police

The Society for

Radio Democ-

racy F.M 98.1

Publication of

false news

After the IMC

had counseled

both parties, it

was agreed that

the matter be

laid to rest

3 17th

March

2005

Ibrahim

Morikeh Fofa-

nah

The Editor New

People newspa-

per

Defamation and

Libel

The newspaper

was ordered to

retract the story

and apologise

The newspaper

complied


30/34

ANNEX VII: COMPLAINTS RECEIVED FROM THE PUBLIC IN 2005 CONTD

Page 26

N

O.

DATEIMC RE-

CEIVEDCOM-PLAINT

NAME OFCOM-

PLAINANT

OFFEND-ING

NEWSPA-PER/

RADIOSTATION

NATUREOF COM-

PLAINT

DECISION TAKEN BYIMC

STATUS OFTHE COM-

PLAINT/DECISIONTAKEN BY

IMC

4 5th

April,2005

The Perma-

nent Secre-

tary, Ministry

of Trade and

Industry

The Editor

of Standard

Times news-

paper

False News Since the hearings were

overtaken by an inquiry

initiated by the ADB and

in view of the fact that the

Ministrys representatives

failed to appear at subse-

quent hearings, the IMC

decided to strike the matteroff its list of complaints

representatives

This decision

was commu-

nicated to the

complainant

and a press

release was

issued to the

effect

5 10th

April,2005

The Regional

Director

Search for

Common

Ground

The Editor

of Standard

Times news-

paper

Libel In view of the fact that the

complainant was for the

most part out of the coun-

try and could therefore not

attend hearings and could

also not give a date on

which she could be pre-

sent, the Commission de-

cided to discontinue the

matter

This decision

was commu-

nicated to the

complainant

and a press

release was

issued to the

effect

6 13th

April

2005

Mr. Kanji

Daramy

Defamation

and libel

The Editor

New Peo-

ple news-

paper

The newspaper was or-

dered to retract the story

and apologise

The newspa-

per complied

7 25th April,

2005

The Com-

mander of 4th

Battalion,

Teko Bar-racks

The Editor

of Exclusive

Times news-

paper

Defamation

and libel



and apologise

The newspa-

per complied

8 29th

April,2005

The Deputy

Minister of

Health and

Sanitation

The Editor

of Standard

Times news-

paper

Defamation

and libel



and apologise

The newspa-

per complied

9 16th

May,2005

The Ombuds-

man,

Mr. Francis

Gabbidon

The Editor

of Trumpet

newspaper

Defamation

and Libel

The newspaper to publish a

retraction and an apologyThe newspa-

per complied


31/34


Page 27

NO. DATEIMC

RE-CEIVED COM-PLAINT

NAME OFCOMPLAIN-

ANT

OFFENDING NEWSPA-PER/

RADIO STATION

NATURE OFCOMPLAINT

DECISIONTAKEN BY IMC

STATUS OFTHE COM-

PLAINT/DECISIONTAKEN BY

IMC

10. 1st

June,

2005

The Executive

Director First

Media Group

Without any prompting

from the IMC, the newspa-

per apologized as soon as

he received a letter from

the Commission inviting

him to a hearing. The com-

plainant accepted apology

from the editor and the

matter was laid to rest

Contravention of

copyright Law

The editor apolo-

gised to complain-

ant before the Com-

mission started

hearing on the mat-

ter

The matter

was amicably

settled be-

tween the two

parties.

11 15th

June,

2005

The Anti-

Corruption

Commission

The Editor of Standard

Times newspaper

Libel In view of the fact

that after the first

few hearings, the

complainant

stopped attending

meetings of the

Complaints Com-

mittee and despite

several reminders

they still did notattend, the Commis-

sion decided to

strike off the com-

plaint from the list.

This decision

was communi-

cated to the

complainant

and a press

was release

put out to the

effect

12 6th

July,

2005

The Sierra

Leone Society

for the Welfare

of the Aged

The Editor of Standard

Times newspaper

Defamation and

Libel

After two hearings

the Commission

realised that the

matter was subju-

dice. The IMC

therefore decided to

discontinue hear-

ings and counseled

the editor to desist

from making com-

ments on the matter.

The matter is

still

subjudice

13 6th

July,

2005

The President of

SLFA

The Editor, Independent

Observer

Defamation and

Libel

The newspaper was

requested to retract

the story and apolo-

gise.

The newspaper

complied


32/34


Page 28

N

O.

DATE

IMC RE-CEIVEDCOM-PLAINT

NAME OF

COM-PLAINAN

T

OFFENDING

NEWSPAPER/RADIO STA-TION

NATURE

OF COM-PLAINT

DECISION

TAKEN BY IMC

STATUS OF

THE COM-PLAINT/ DECI-SION TAKEN

BY IMC

14 4th

August,2005

NaCSA The Editor of Afri-

can Champion news-

paper

Defamation

and Libel

The newspaper was

requested to retract the

story and apologise

The newspaper com-

plied

15 26th

Septem-ber,2005

ONS The Editor of Stan-

dard newspaper

Breach of

secrecy under

the lawsTimes of

Sierra Leone

After one hearing the

Commission realised it

could not continue withthe matter since a Com-

mission of Enquiry had

been set-up by the Gov-

ernment to look into the

issue

16 11th

August

2005

Hon. Princess

Baba Jigida

The editor of New

Vision newspaper

Defamation

and Libel


dered to retract the storyand apologise

The newspaper com-

plied

17 15th August

2005

The President

Alhaji Dr.

Ahmad Tejan

Kabba

The editor, Peep

Magazine

Defamation

and libel

The newspaper was

ordered to retract the

story and apologise

The newspaper did

not comply.

A Fine of Le500, 000

was levied for con-

tempt of IMC; the

newspaper still re-

fused to comply. The

matter is currently

before the Commis-sion.

18 7th

September

2005

The Ombuds-

man, Mr. Fran-

cis Gabbidon

The Editor, New

Vision newspaper

Defamation

and libel

The newspaper was


story and apologise

The newspaper com-

plied

19 7th

September

2005

The Ombuds-

man, Mr. Fran-

cis Gabbidon

The Editor, Exclu-

sive newspaper

Defamation

and libel

The newspaper was


story and apologise

The newspaper com-

plied


33/34


Page 29

NO.

DATEIMC RE-

CEIVEDCOM-PLAINT

NAME OFCOM-

PLAINANT

OFFEND-ING NEWS-

PAPER/RADIOSTATION

NATUREOF COM-

PLAINT

DECISIONTAKEN BY IMC

STATUS OFTHE COM-

PLAINT/ DECI-SION TAKENBY IMC

20 7th

Septem-

ber,2005

Christian

Childrens

Fund (CCF)

The managing

Editor, Stan-

dard Times

newspaper

Libel Since the Editor of

Standard Times was

able to substantiate

the allegations in the

offending story, the

complaint was dis-

missed.

The representative

of the complainant

apologise to the

editor and the mat-

ter was laid to rest

21 8th Septem-

ber,2005

Mr. Samir

Hassaniyeh

The managing

Editor, Afri-

can Champion

Libel The newspaper was

ordered to retract


gise

The newspaper

complied

22 14th Sep-

tember,200

5

The Om-

budsman,

Mr. Francis

Gabbidon

The Manag-

ing Editor,

Trumpet

newspaper

Defamation

and libel

The newspaper was

ordered to retract


gise

The newspaper

complied

23 18

th Octo-

ber,2005

Mr. Alusine

Kamara Publicity

Secretary

PMDC

The Manag-

ing Editor,New vision

newspaper

False Report The complaint was

withdrawn by thecomplainant of his

own volition

24 19th Octo-

ber,2005

J.S Keifala-

Executive

Director,

SLRTA

New People

newspaper

Defamation

and LibelThe Complainant

appeared only once

for hearing.

The Commission

dismissed the case

25 7th

Novem-ber,2005 His GraceBishop Abu

Koroma

The Manag-ing Editor,

Pool newspa-

per

Defamation The newspaper wasordered to retractand apologise

The newspapercomplied

26 16th

No-

vember,200

5

Mr. Willie

O.Pratt

The Manag-

ing Editor,

Peep newspa-

per

Defamation

and libelHearing is in pro-

gress

Hearing is in pro-

gress

27 17th

No-

vember,

2005

Station Man-

ager,SLBS

Makeni

The Manag-

ing Editor,

Exclusive

newspaper

Defamation

and Libel

The newspaper was

ordered to retract


gise

The newspaper

complied


34/34

FOR INFORMATION ON THE IMC

CONTACT:

THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY

INDEPENDENT MEDIA COMMISSION3RD FLOOR, KISSY HOUSE

54, SIAKA STEVENS STREET

FREETOWN,

SIERRA LEONE

TEL: (232 22) 221840/221835

(232) 076 724 854

Documents

IMC Annual Report