Monrovia, Liberia – In order to prevent irresponsible journalism and safeguard the profession from infiltration, Cllr. Elisha T.J. Forkeyoh, Secretary General of the Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA), has encouraged the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) to implement a licensing system for journalists.
Cllr. Forkeyoh stated that the media is too important to be left unregulated while speaking at the Press Union of Liberia’s 61st anniversary celebration, which was hosted at the Monrovia Christian Fellowship.
“Let me be honest, I firmly believe that the PUL needs to transition to a journalist license system. It is easy for dishonest people to infiltrate professions that are conducted without a license, potentially undermining their credibility and dignity,” he stated.
He emphasized that licensing protects both practitioners and the public, drawing comparisons between media and other regulated professions like law and medicine.
Before practicing law, attorneys must obtain an LNBA license; physicians and pharmacists must obtain a license before treating patients; and drivers must obtain a license before being trusted with people’s lives on the road. He questioned why one of the most influential occupations, journalism, which has the ability to influence public opinion and steer a country’s destiny, should remain unregulated.
Cllr. Forkeyoh maintained that a licensing system would enhance the integrity of the press rather than stifle it. According to him, a licensing system will protect the profession from imposters and fraudsters, uphold the honor of ethical and skilled journalists, boost public trust in the media, and offer an equitable and open framework for discipline.
He pointed out that licensing and enforcement help bring back professional order, the LNBA had to deal with similar issues when quarks were wandering around our courts.
According to him, the LNBA strongly advises the PUL to start talking with the government and interested parties about how licensing may be accomplished, whether it be by legislative regulation, self-regulation with legal support, or an independent press council.
Forkeyoh cautioned that in addition to protecting itself from outside threats, the media must also expose internal wrongdoing. According to him, there can be one journalist who abuse their position for propaganda or self-interest for every one who exposes corruption. In addition to protecting the profession from external threats, the PUL must also eradicate internal corruption.
“It is undermining the very people you vowed to inform if you support unprofessional behavior. Like the law, journalism depends on public trust, which can only be gained when wrongdoing is dealt with quickly, fairly, and openly.”
The PUL is “a true watchdog of society, a voice for the voiceless, and a conscience for the nation,” according to the LNBA secretary, who commended the organization for its 61 years of service.
