Smile FM, the community radio station in Zwedru, has resumed broadcasting after a successful two-day mediation process led by the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) and the Association of Liberia Community Radio Stations (ALICOR). The station was shut down earlier this month due to violent confrontations between competing factions over control of the station’s Board of Advisors and the position of Station Manager.
The mediation, which took place from May 18 to 19, 2025, effectively resolved the disputes that had led to the shutdown. The disagreements stemmed from two opposing Boards and two competing Station Managers, each backed by separate constitutions and by-laws for Smile FM.
Through the mediation efforts, the PUL and ALICOR facilitated the dissolution of both conflicting Boards and oversaw the transparent reconstitution of the Board of Advisors, which now includes representatives from the nine recognized institutions that form the station’s foundation.
In addition, the mediation led to the appointment of Anthony Flahn as Acting Station Manager for a three-month period. Following this, the newly reconstituted Board will oversee a fair and transparent recruitment process for a permanent Station Manager.
The restructured Board of Advisors has been given the task of reviewing and reconciling the two previous constitutions and by-laws, with the aim of adopting a unified and credible constitution that reflects best practices for the station’s operations.
The mediation was conducted by a team from both PUL and ALICOR, which included PUL President Julius Kanubah, ALICOR Board Chair Teah Doegmah, ALICOR Vice President for Operations Lawrence Tokpah, and Radio Kakata Station Manager Christina Sonpon. The team was accompanied by Representative Jeremiah Sokan of District Number One, where Smile FM is located.
In a joint statement, the PUL and ALICOR expressed their appreciation to Representative Sokan, Grand Gedeh County Superintendent Alex Grant, and all local officials and citizens who supported the mediation. The groups also thanked former and current station staff for their cooperation.
PUL President Julius Kanubah and ALICOR Board Chair Teah Doegmah emphasized the importance of maintaining Smile FM’s independence as a community station, stressing that political interference in its management and operations should not be tolerated.
The mediation was also lauded for its smooth and amicable resolution, with PUL and ALICOR recognizing the contributions of former Station Manager Solo Uriah Lewis and former Board Chair Madam Jesadeh Barzon, who were commended for their cooperation throughout the process.
With the resolution in place, Smile FM is now back on air, poised to continue its vital role in serving the community of Zwedru and beyond
