Saving Sierra Leonean print and online media
I’ve been toiling over the idea of making a pertinently relevant and strong case, on why we need to support and protect our Sierra Leonean owned news media. Not only by reading their articles and stories, but conscientiously giving them financial support without the asking. Although a high standard of responsibility and professionalism is also necessary. Call them infant industries if you choose which might eventually blossom into powerful and profitable business entities, with a formidable voice that represents our goals, visions, and the life blood of our cultural heritage and psyche. These are perilous times for the global economy. It takes more than mere passion to keep these indigenously owned news outlets afloat. The days of freebies are quickly fizzling away before our eyes. It takes financial support to keep publications alive and healthy.
I know first-hand because I operate a website and subscribe to an internet server that does not offer free service. On average one pays about $50-$60 monthly for these services. If one is not computer savvy, there is the additional cost of the webmaster and antivirus protection. Hiring local and foreign reporters and editors has not even factored into the equation to keep the website operational and running smoothly. A printed newspaper means additional costs that must be evaluated on its own merits. Being a publisher gives me the gravitas and authority to speak first hand. A publication that is worth the salt needs adequate investment: sufficient working capital is vital to keep it efficient and effective. The Krio adage: ‘Soup sweet, soup sweet, nar money kill am’ – what you pay for is what you get.
The hard decision of the Patriotic Vanguard management to start charging readers a monthly fee of $10 for both the print and online edition of its journal is a pittance, compared to the 5 year credible record of free, un-interrupted service and the timely manner in which it has been dispensing news to voracious readers. We have to take pride in supporting our own interests and communities that identify with us as a people, still struggling for freedom, identity and emancipation, seeking our destiny. Let’s think about our poor folk back home, who cannot afford to pay for the service. Information is power. The services of African owned news media have helped our folk with immigration and other issues in the West.
Our communities should in fact sponsor black-owned media in the West, making the services available to the less fortunate, free of cost. Most of those who cry foul or request better services are the ones who are chronically dependent on freebies. Nothing is free these days. Even aid packages require compliance with fundamental criteria. We must change our self-centered mindset, if as a people we want to move from dependency to self-sufficiency, harnessing the chlorophyll of dignity and pride. How about rewarding the entrepreneurs for their skill, sacrifice and hard work: Is it not what free enterprise advocates? Reward inspires motivation and the propensity to produce scarce goods and services.
Let’s become aware that even well established newspapers in the United States are at the brink of collapse, and cutting back to arrest the nightmare of closing down? Here’s the reality check. The Wall Street Journal has identified a list of 10 major newspapers that are most likely to reduce or shut down their print edition, and only publish online. This will change the whole dynamics of news reporting and consumption in the US. It is not going to be free. The endangered newspapers include: Philadelphia Daily News, Minneapolis Star Tribune, The Miami Herald, The Detroit News, The Boston Globe, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Chicago Sun-Times, The New York Daily News, The Fort Worth Star-Telegram and The Cleveland Plain Dealer. Who wants their news papers to become extinct in our lifetime? I believe other publications too are thinking of taking similar draconian measures to save themselves from extinction. Survival and success are dependent on moral and most importantly financial support we give them. Advertisement helps to defray the cost of production of newspapers. But when the demand for advertisement space slows down drastically, or dries up, trouble lurks at the publishers’ doorsteps.
Are we willing to help preserve the services of a formidable news portal trying to swim ashore, and save us as a people from drowning? The truth hurts but it uplifts the searing soul searching for redemption. Many of our folk would never have seen their work published or their voices heard without these media outlets. Do we want our voices to be silenced because we are too selfish to support our community initiated media? The choice is in our own hands, whether we want to dream of failure or propagate change that would elevate Sierra Leonean publications to a new level of success, professionalism, integrity and prosperity. For if we don’t tell our own stories others will do it for us, usually in a negative and distorted Cinderella portrayal. The stereotype of one size fits all is a chronic indictment of the west, which sees Africa as a monolithic block of people. Not as a continent made up of 53 diversified independent countries.
Roland Bankole Marke is a Sierra Leonean writer, poet and author of three books. He is an activist for the poor, disadvantaged children and women, and gives voice to the voiceless. Visit his website: www.rolandmarke.comStay with Sierra Express Media, for your trusted place in news!
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