Liberian journalist Dertin Dorley has reacted critically to President Joseph Boakai’s second dinner with media executives, questioning the inclusion and recognition of media professionals in such an engagement.
In a social media post, Dorley described the gathering as a situation where “the oppressors are seated, while the oppressed are standing and holding cameras over them.”
He argued that media dinners should primarily recognize and support journalists and other media professionals who, according to him, are often underpaid despite their contributions to society.
“A media dinner should be reserved for those media professionals who are often underpaid and deserve to be properly recognized and supported,” Dorley wrote.
His comments appear to raise concerns about the welfare, recognition, and working conditions of journalists, particularly those working on the front lines of news gathering and reporting.
Dorley concluded his message with the words, “A strong fighter,” while reiterating his apparent call for greater recognition and support for media practitioners.
President Boakai’s engagement with media executives comes amid ongoing discussions about the relationship between the government and Liberia’s media community, including issues surrounding journalists’ welfare and professional support.
The matter remains developing, with further reactions expected.
