14 Media Houses Awarded Grants to Boost Public Interest Journalism in Sierra Leone

The Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG), in partnership with the International Fund for Public Interest Media (IFPIM) and BBC Media Action, has awarded grants worth US$60,000 to 14 media organizations across Sierra Leone.

The official ceremony took place on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown. It brought together journalists, government officials, and development partners to celebrate what many described as a major step forward for independent journalism in the country.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Francis Sowa, Programs Manager of the National Fund for Public Interest Media (NaFPIM), explained that the fund was conceived three years ago as part of efforts to strengthen journalism that serves the public. He recalled that the creation of NaFPIM was one of the key recommendations from the first Media Viability and Investment Conference in 2022.

“Today marks the fruition of years of planning, collaboration, and commitment,” Dr. Sowa said. He praised the Technical Committee for carefully reviewing applications to select projects with strong potential for impact and sustainability.

The 14 grantees, drawn from districts including Kono, Moyamba, Falaba, Tonkolili, Port Loko, Bo, and Freetown, will use the funds to improve investigative reporting, strengthen digital platforms, and expand their social media reach.

The list of beneficiaries and their grants include:

Liberty Online TV – US$7,000

AYV TV – US$6,000

Hope FM Makeni – US$4,000

Radio Bankasoka – US$4,000

Hands of Hope FM – US$3,500

Radio Gbaft – US$4,000

Radio Shalom Falaba – US$4,000

Kakua Newspaper – US$3,000

Nature Newspaper – US$3,500

Radio Wanjei – US$4,000

Voice of Kono – US$4,000

Calabash Newspaper – US$2,500

Classic Radio – US$2,500

Heart FM – US$4,000

In his statement, SLAJ President, Alhaji Manika Kamara, congratulated the winners and urged them to use the grants responsibly. He emphasized that the success of this first phase could help attract more funding for media development in Sierra Leone.

The National Fund for Public Interest Media is part of Sierra Leone’s National Action Plan (NAP), which seeks to promote independent, professional, and public-interest journalism.