Renowned Liberian journalist John Kollie has raised strong concerns over the increasing involvement of government officials in journalism, describing the practice as a serious threat to the country’s media sector.
Kollie, who serves as Director of the Liberia Media for Democratic Initiatives (LMDI), criticized the trend of public officials owning and operating media platforms, including hosting talk shows—roles traditionally reserved for trained media professionals.
Appearing on the Truth Breakfast Show on Monday, Kollie warned that this growing phenomenon undermines the journalism profession and jeopardizes the survival of independent media institutions in Liberia.
“Government officials are appointed to carry out specific duties aligned with their qualifications and expertise,” he said. “It is inappropriate for them to abandon those responsibilities to take on journalistic roles for which they have neither the training nor the mandate.”
Kollie pointed to the surge in government-run radio stations and online outlets, saying such developments are crowding out independent journalists and depriving them of job opportunities.
“You’re taking food off our tables,” he emphasized. “This is our profession, our livelihood, and it is being eroded.”
He further claimed that some government officials are redirecting public communication resources and contracts to their own privately controlled media platforms, depriving established outlets of much-needed support.
“The integrity and sustainability of journalism in Liberia are at risk when public servants become media entrepreneurs,” Kollie cautioned.
He called on the administration of President Joseph Boakai to address the issue by ensuring government officials remain focused on their official duties and by supporting the independence and growth of the media sector, rather than competing with it.
