In a bold move to strengthen governance, transparency, and regional inclusivity within Liberia’s media landscape, the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) has officially launched the Office of National Media Coordination under a newly endorsed policy framework.
Announced Monday by PUL President Julius Kanubah, the initiative establishes a nationwide media coordination structure featuring a centralized secretariat in Monrovia, regional county coordinators, and leadership from PUL Sub-chapters in all fifteen counties.
Described as a “landmark initiative,” the new office is intended to decentralize the Union’s activities and ensure that media practitioners across Liberia benefit from shared leadership, collective responsibility, and increased operational presence.
“This is a major milestone for the Union,” said President Kanubah during the announcement. “Historically, the PUL has faced criticism ~ rightly or wrongly ~ for being overly Monrovia-centric and lacking accountable leadership. This initiative directly addresses those concerns.”
The newly unveiled policy framework ~ developed by a technical working group and backed by media leaders across the country ~ lays out legal and operational guidelines for the Office. It includes detailed provisions on roles and responsibilities, accountability standards, gender representation, and qualifications for leadership roles in PUL Sub-chapters.
Each Sub-chapter will serve as the Union’s representative office within its respective county and act as an umbrella for all journalists, media institutions, and associations in the area. These local offices will collaborate with the central secretariat and regional coordinators to drive the Union’s work at the grassroots level.
According to the policy, the Office of National Media Coordination is designed to ensure inclusive and effective media governance, improve communication and coordination among media stakeholders, and elevate the professional standards of journalism throughout the country.
President Kanubah emphasized that appointments to the new office will begin immediately, with key positions in the secretariat, regional coordination, and county-level Sub-chapter leadership to be filled in the coming weeks.
“This institutional innovation will significantly strengthen the PUL’s presence in each county, advancing journalism and media practice for a better Liberia, and ensuring the security and welfare of all PUL members,” Kanubah said.
he Press Union of Liberia, established in 1964, is the umbrella organization for media professionals in the country, advocating for press freedom, professional standards, and ethical journalism. The establishment of the Office of National Media Coordination marks one of the Union’s most significant reforms in recent years.
