“Major Step Toward Strengthening Press Freedom”
Monrovia, Liberia – A state-of-the-art US$5.5 million broadcast facility for the Liberia Broadcasting System has been formally dedicated by President Joseph N. Boakai, who hailed the project as a significant step toward bolstering press freedom, national communication, and Liberia’s democratic future.
The cutting-edge facility was unveiled at the LBS Compound in Paynesville on Friday, May 8, 2026, in front of cabinet officials, lawmakers, diplomats, media professionals, and senior government officials. It was built with funding from the Government of the People’s Republic of China through China Aid.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Boakai said the new complex represents “a proud and historic day for Liberia,” noting that the project was made possible through the support of Chinese President Xi Jinping, whom he described as “my friend and brother.”
“On behalf of the Government and people of Liberia, I extend profound gratitude to President Xi, the Government of China, and the Chinese Ambassador to Liberia for this extraordinary support and partnership,” he declared.
According to him, the facility marks a new era for public broadcasting, revealing that LBS has moved from its long-standing 2,000-kilowatt transmission system to a powerful 10,000-kilowatt capacity expected to significantly improve nationwide radio and television coverage.
The new broadcast center, according to the Liberian leader, has seven contemporary recording and broadcasting studios, a central control system, satellite broadcasting capability, and cutting-edge technical infrastructure constructed in accordance with international standards. In order to assist the institution and the surrounding villages, it also has a water supply system and a fire hydrant.
President Boakai declared during one of the ceremony’s most poignant moments that the complex will be named in memory of Charles Cornelius Gbeyon, a Liberian journalist who was killed while serving his country. According to the President, the action makes it clear that his administration is still dedicated to upholding press freedom and safeguarding journalists.
“You may silence a journalist, but you can never silence the ideals of truth, liberty, and freedom,” the President declared to loud applause.
He complimented the participation of Gbeyon’s two children, who came from the United States to attend the event, and described the naming as a sombre acknowledgement of the sacrifices made by journalists in Liberia. Reflecting on the history of LBS, founded in 1956 and formerly known as the Liberia Broadcasting Corporation, Boakai said the institution has long served as the voice of the Liberian people despite surviving years of civil conflict, destruction, and professional displacement.
He paid tribute to several broadcasting pioneers, including Tommy Raynes, Eustace Smith, Kwame Clement, Victoria Raffell, Olivia Shannon, and others whose work helped shape Liberia’s media landscape. “Today, we proudly declare that LBS is back on track as a world-class broadcasting institution,” Boakai stated.
The President said the modernization of LBS aligns with his broader vision of transforming the institution into a true public broadcasting service that promotes national unity, reconciliation, patriotism, and democratic accountability. President Boakai challenged employees of LBS to protect the new facility and ensure that its true value is reflected in professional and ethical service to the Liberian people.
“This building is now entrusted to your stewardship. Its true value will be measured by your professionalism, your integrity, and your service,” he said.
Also, Boakai reaffirmed Liberia’s friendship with China and thanking President Xi, the Chinese Ambassador, the LBS Board, and Director General Eugene Fahngon for their commitment to national development. The dedication marks one of the most significant infrastructure upgrades for Liberia’s state broadcaster in decades and signals a renewed government push to strengthen public information systems across the country.
Reported by: Prince Saah
