INDEPENDENT MEDIA COMMISSION

ANNUAL REPORT 2005

I M C AN N U AL R E P R T 2 0 0 5

CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS Foreword Executive Summary 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Background Information Composition of the Commission Committees of the Commission and their activities Other major activities of the Commission General Financial Report IMC Three-Year Strategic Plan (2006 2008) Constraints Conclusion and signature 1 3 4 5 7 9 11 13 15 16 16

10. Appendices: -I. 2005 Financial Statements 17 21 21 22 22 23 24 25

-II. Newspapers that registered with the IMC in 2005 -III. Radio and Television Stations that registered with the IMC in 2005 -IV. DTH/DSTV agencies that registered with the IMC in 2005 -IVA. Complete list of DTH/DSTV agencies in Sierra Leone -V. Complete list of registered newspapers in Sierra Leone -VI. Complete list of registered radio and television stations in S/Leone -VII. Complaints received from the public in 2005

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FOREWORD
Sierra Leones strategies to promote good governance include the establishment of institutions that will sustain and respond to the core democratic principles and values. One such institution is the Independent Media Commission. Set up in 2000 by an Act of Parliament, the Commissions first few years of existence witnessed a host of problems. These included the location of the Commissions office within the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, which led people to perceive the IMC as another arm of the Ministry, unclarity of the status and role of the Chairman due to the wording of this section of the IMC Act and several lapses in the management of the Commissions funds. The latter led to allegations of forgery and financial malpractices, which have been the subject of a court case against the former Executive Secretary since September 2004. The non-existence of a Media Code of Practice, which according to the Act, had to be contravened by a media institution for it to be brought to book has been a very thorny issue. The Act is also silent on several pertinent issues relating to arbitration and imposition of penalties in respect of complaints by the public. During the past year, the Commission took steps to address these matters. With the assistance of DFID which provided the initial funds for the renting of neutral premises, the IMC had moved out of the offices of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting since 2002. In 2005, the Commission paid the rent from its funds, thus raising its posture as an independent and autonomous body. The status of the Chairman has also been given due attention. The proposed amendment of this Section of the Act is expected to put an end to conflicts between the Chairman and the Executive Secretary which plagued the smooth running of the Commission in its formative years. Mechanisms have been put in place for robust financial management to enhance accountability and probity. Rules and regulations governing the conduct of the media and the Media Code of Practice have been developed and are now awaiting the attention of Parliament. These instruments are expected to serve as useful guide to media institutions for self regulation and strengthen the authority of the IMC to

The Chairperson of the IMC, Mrs. Bernadette Cole

carry out its functions more effectively and efficiently. Two of the Commissions several mandates are to protect the freedom of the media, while at the same time protect the interests of the public against exploitation and undue abuse by the media. This in effect means that while the public looks to the IMC for protection, the media institutions also expect the IMC to jealously guard press freedom with all its ramifications. The Commission believes that the public should understand the role of the media as the fourth estate, to minimise conflict between the two parties, while the journalists themselves should endeavour to practice the profession with maturity, good naturedness, sobriety and a keen sense of responsibility. It is the duty of the media to monitor the activities and performances of the government and report on these to the public. The media is also expected to bring to the public information on other institutions of public trust, mobilise, assess and represent public opinion, so that the views and aspirations of the people will be reflected in the nations development efforts. Also, the media must not only concern itself with exposing the ills of society, but must also portray positive developments to create that balance that should attract entrepreneurs and investors.

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All of this should however be done with impeccable accuracy and objectivity and a conscious effort to present all sides of the issue. It thus behoves people in positions of authority to ensure that they carry out their activities and responsibilities with openness, honesty and dexterity, in the realisation that they are accountable to the people. The promotion of public accountability is indeed the cornerstone of the future development of Sierra Leone. The Commission is pleased to launch its maiden report, which brings to stakeholders and other interested parties information on the activities of the IMC in 2005 and its financial report. A copy has been forwarded to the Auditor- General for auditing. This endeavour is an important first step in giving an annual account of the Commissions stewardship from now on.

Bernadette Cole CHAIRPERSON, IMC

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Independent Media Commission (IMC) was established by an Act of Parliament in 2000 as an autonomous body for the regulation of mass media institutions and for other matters connected therewith. The Commissions major functions, among others, are to promote a free and pluralistic media throughout Sierra Leone; to ensure that media institutions achieve the highest level of efficiency in the provision of radio services, protect the interest of the public against exploitation or abuse by media institutions, and above all advise government on media Policy formulation and development. The Commission started operation in 2001 with the full compliment of eleven (11) Commissioners and the Executive Secretary. The British Governments Department for International Development (DFID) provided the initial funds to cover the rent for two years when the Commission relocated from the Ministry of Information at Youyi Building in 2002 to its current premises at 54, Siaka Stevens Street in order to maintain its independence as provided in the IMC Act 2000. At the end of the tenure of the former Chairman of the Commission Mr. Francis Conteh in February 2005, Commissioner Bernadette Cole was appointed Chairperson by H.E. President Alhaji Dr. Ahmed Tejan Kabbah in consultation with the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) . The Commission currently consists of nine (9) Commissioners with two vacant positions and nine (9) secretariat personnel. The work of the Commission is done by Committees, viz:Complaints Committee, Technical Committee, Policy Committee and Applications Committee. Ad hoc committees are established from time to time to carry out specific programmes. The decisions of all committees are sent to the Board for approval, after which they are implemented by the secretariat. The major activities undertaken by the Commission in 2005 included: the establishment of a media award scheme to promote professional journalism in report writing the development of a Resource Centre for journalists
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nationwide consultation workshops on the call for the repeal of the defamation and seditious libel laws embodied in the 1965 Public Order Act The holding of Press Conferences and issuing of press releases to update the public on the activities of the IMC.

Major funding for the Commission comes from the Government. The Commission also receives funding from fees, fines, donations and donor support for specific projects and programmes. Like any institution, the Commission has its peculiar constraints. These are mainly in the areas of finance, office equipment and logistics support. The IMC witnessed substantial progress in 2005. The arbitration role robustly carried out by the Commission helped to diffuse tension between journalists and the public. It is believed that the nation is now aware of the role of the IMC and has started to channel complaints to the Commission for arbitration. All that the Commission now requires is empowerment by the Government and other stakeholders to carry out its functions more effectively.

INDEPENDENT MEDIA COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2005

1.0 BACKGROUND
Establishment of the Independent Media Commission The Independent Media Commission was established by an Act of Parliament in 2000 as an autonomous body for the regulation of mass media institutions and for other matters connected therewith. 1.2 Functions of the Commission Part III Section 8 (1) of the IMC Act 2000 states that the objects for which the Commission was established are: a. to promote a free and pluralistic media throughout Sierra Leone; b. to ensure that media institutions achieve the highest level of efficiency in the provision of media services; 1.1 ment of the media industry throughout Sierra Leone. Without prejudice to Section 8(1) above, the Act states also that it shall be the function of the Commission to:a. advise the Minister on Media Policy formulation and development; b. ensure strict compliance with this Act and regulations made under it; c. establish categories of Licences and grant such licences to electronic media institutions in Sierra Leone; d. prescribe minimum percentage of total broadcast hours to be devoted to public service programmes by various types and categories of electronic media institutions; e. maintain a register of media institutions, newspapers and magazines published in Sierra Leone;

Some members of the Board L-R Commissioners Mr. Christo Johnson. Dr. Abubakar Kargbo, Mr. Adewole Bell, Mrs Cassandra Davies, Ms Patricia Macauley and Mr. Sam Metzger. Mr Francis Davies in the background.

f. c. to promote fair competition among media institutions and persons engaged in the provision of media services; to protect the interest of the public against exploitation or abuse by media institutions; and to promote technological research and the development of adequate human resources for the advance-

d. e.

establish clear limits on media ownership, including cross media ownership in the interest of diversity; ensure that every person shall have, irrespective of that persons race, colour, sex, language, relig ion, political or other opinion, national, ethnic or social origins, property, disability, birth or other

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status, access to fair coverage in the broadcast me dia all such things as may contribute to the attain ment of the objects of the Commission. h. compile and adopt a comprehensive Media Code of Practice, in consultation with the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), and any other media practitioners association.

Location and commencement of operations of the Commission The Independent Media Commission went into operation in 2001 and was originally housed in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, 8th Floor Youyi Building, Brookfields with full complement of eleven (11) Commissioners and one (1) Executive Secretary. In order to maintain its independence as provided in the Act, the Commission relocated to its present address at 54, Siaka Stevens Street in 2003 so that it cannot be viewed or perceived to be a department within the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The British Governments Department for International Development (DFID) provided the initial funds to cover the rent for the first two years for the current premises. In 2005, the Commission paid the renewal rent from its funds.

1.3

A new Chairman in the person of Mrs. Bernadette Cole was appointed by the President on the 15th February 2005 in consultation with the Sierra Leone Association of Jour nalists (SLAJ) to replace the erstwhile Chairman, Mr. Francis Conteh whose tenure was to have ended on the 29th of February 2005. According to the letter of appointment, the new Chairperson was to assume office on the 1st of April, 2005 to effect a smooth handing-over of the reins of leadership of the Commission. Unfortunately, Mr. Francis Conteh fell ill at the beginning of February and died on the 26th of that month. By its current composition, two new Commissioners are to be appointed a legal practitioner and an expert in the field of radio and television - to constitute the full membership of the Board as provided by the Act. Secretariat Staff Mr. Francis Ganda Mrs. Iyamide Oduyoye Mr. Arnold Lake Ms. Emma Kai Ms. Regina Taylor Mr. Doe Dixon Mr. Bockarie Ngevao Mr. Bockarie Konneh

Executive Secretary Chief Accountant Accounting Assistant Office Secretary Office Assistant Driver (Terminated in July, 2005) Messenger Cleaner

2.0 COMPOSITION OF THE COMMISSION

2.1 Commissioners Commissioner Bernadette Cole - Chairperson Commissioner Francis L. Davies )- Experts in the field of telecommunications Commissioner Cassandra Davies ) Commissioner Patricia Macauley )- Experts in the field of Radio/Television Commissioner ) - Vacant Commissioner Sam J. E. Metzger )- Expert in the field of Print journalism Commissioner Dr. Abubakar Kargbo) Commissioner Anthony Brewah )- Legal Practitioner Commissioner )- Vacant Commissioner Christo Johnson ) - Ex-officio member, representing SLAJ Commissioner P. Ade Bell ) - Ex-officio member, representing the Minister of Information and Broadcasting

Following the interdiction and dismissal of the former Executive Secretary in 2004 on allegations of forgery and mis appropriation of funds, which matter has been before the courts since September 2004, a new Executive Secretary was appointed in November 2005. He is Mr. Francis D. D. Ganda. Until this appointment, the Chairperson, whose role is to give direction and leadership to the Commission, supervised the work of the Secretariat as well as the overall functions of the Commission. In June, 2005, the Commission appointed a competent and qualified Accountant, who has been able to set good ac counting practice in place. With the appointment of an Executive Secretary almost at the close of the year under review and a Chief Accountant, the Commission seems to be on a steady administrative keel.

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ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANOGRAM

CHAIRPERSON

COMMISSIONERS

EXECUTIVE SECRETARY

CHIEF ACCOUNTANT

ACCOUNTS ASSISTANT OFFICE SECRETARY DRIVER OFFICE ASSISTANT

MESSENGER CLEANER

The Office Secretary, Ms Emma Kai and Receptionist/Office Assistant Ms Regina Taylor at work
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COMMITTEES OF THE COMMISSION

3. 0 COMMITTEES OF THE COMMISSION AND THEIR ACTIVITIES
3.1 Board of the Commission The Board of the Independent Media Commission ensures that the mandate and functions of the Commission as stipulated in the Act are reflected in the activities of the Commission. In 2005, the Commission held sixteen (16) regular Board Meetings. The following major issues were deliberated upon: Arbitration between the general public and media institutions Registration of media institutions Monitoring and evaluation of media institutions Development of Rules and Regulations governing the operations of media institutions in Sierra Leone/Media Code of Practice Amendment of the IMC Act 2000 to make it more relevant to the current situation of the media and anomalies/issues that were unforeseen by the drafters of the Act. Nation-wide Sensitization and Consultative programmes with the public on the issue of the call by SLAJ to repeal the defamation and seditious libel laws Administrative and financial matters -Mr. Francis Gabbidon (co-opted) -Mr. Isaac Massaquoi (SLAJ Representative) -Mr. Joshua Nicol (SLAJ Representative) -Mr. Christian Keili (SLAJ Representative) -Ms. Hannah Foullah (co-opted) The major responsibility of this committee during the year was to finalise the draft of the Rules and Regulations gov erning the operations of the media in Sierra Leone and Me dia Code of Practice and the review of the IMC Act. Work on this exercise culminated in the holding of a two-day residential workshop of all stakeholders including SLAJ at the Javouhey House in June 2005. The workshop was officially opened by H.E. President Alhaji Tejan Kabbah. A representative from Panos Insititute of West Africa

In general, the functions of the Commission are carried out by Committees, whose recommendations are forwarded to the Board for deliberation and ratification. The Secretariat implements the decisions of the Board. The Committees of the Commission are currently as follows: 3.2 Policy Committee This Committee comprises the following members: -Commissioner Bernadette Cole -Commissioner Patricia Macauley -Commissioner Francis Davies -Commissioner Cassandra Davies -Alhaji I. B. Kargbo (President SLAJ) -Dr. Julius Spencer (co-opted) Chairperson

President Ahmed Tejan Kabbah(centre) officially launched the workshop organized by the IMC to finalise the Media Code of Practice. Others in the photograph are L-R SLAJ President, Alhaji I.B.Kargbo , the Chairperson of the Parl. Oversight Comm, Janet Sam-King, IMC Chair, Bernadette Cole, Comm. Sam Metzger and Mr. Alimamy Bathily, PANOS rep

(PIWA) served as Resource person. Several recommenda tions were made at the workshop for amendments and a seven member committee comprising six members of SLAJ and one Commissioner was appointed to finalise the document. The revised document has been submitted to the Minister of Information & Broadcasting for necessary action.

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3.3 Complaints Committee This committee comprises the following members: Commissioner Anthony Brewah (Chairman) Commissioner Bernadette Cole Commissioner Christo Johnson Commissioner Cassandra Davies Commissioner Patricia Macauley Commissioner Abu Bakarr Kargbo Commissioner P. Ade Bell Commissioner Sam J. E Metzger Haja Halima Abdullah (co-opted) Mrs. Georgette de Marke (co-opted)

tious or defamatory article should be retracted giving it prominence in the next edition of the newspaper. That retraction should be followed by a letter of apology to the aggrieved party, a copy of which should be submitted to the Secretariat. If, however, the Editor substantiates his story to the satisfaction of the Complaints Committee, the matter is dismissed. Fine (Le500,000) Where the offending newspaper refuses to comply with the decision of the Commission to retract and apologise, the Commission writes three reminder letters for compliance. After the third reminder, the Commission then levies a fine of Le500,000 (Five hundred thousand Leones) as pro vided by the IMC Act 2000. Further action for non-compliance The present IMC Act 2000 does not empower the Commission to take further action. One media institution, PEEP has refused to pay fines levied against it for blatantly refusing to retract its story and apologise. This situation arises from the weakness of the IMC Act 2000 and the absence of Rules and Regulations governing the operations of the media and the Media Code of Practice. The Commission in collaboration with SLAJ has taken steps to amend the IMC Act and to forward it together with the other documents mentioned above to the Minister of Information and Broadcasting to be tabled in Parliament. It is hoped that these instruments will strengthen the authority of the IMC to carry out its functions more effecttively and efficiently. However, in sum, apart from this incidence, the Commission succeeded in amicably resolving several complaints during the period under review. (see annex). 3.4 Technical Committee This Committee consists of the following members: -Commissioner Francis Davies - Chairman -Commissioner Cassandra Davies -Mr. Alex Fergusson-Nicol (co-opted member) -Mr. Bunting-Wright (co-opted member)

The Complaints Committee is responsible for inquiring into complaints against the contravention of the Media Code of Practice and for arbitration between the public and media institutions. During the year, the Commission received a total of 27 complaints from the public against various newspapers and one radio station. (See Appendix). According to the Commissions policy, all complaints are treated with the same urgency, importance, objectivity, impartiality and neutrality. The modus operandi of the committee could be compared to that of an informal magistrate court setting. Complainants and Defendants are summoned in writing to hearings at the Secretariat. Complainants are requested to submit their complaints in the presence of the defendants and the defendants are also given an opportunity to defend themselves. The proceedings are recorded and at the end of the hearings, the Committee deliberates on all the information at its disposal pertaining to the complaint. This includes more importantly, the media organisations evidence/materials to substantiate the allegations that are often the subject of the complaint. The Committees decision on the matter is communicated to the Board in the form of a report followed by recommendations for ratification. During the year, recommendations to the Board following deliberation of complaints by the Committee could be summarized as follows: Retraction and apology Where a newspaper publishes an article, which is perceived as defamatory and the Editor cannot substantiate his story during hearings, the Committee will request that the vexa

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The Technical Committee is responsible for verifying that the technical requirements for establishing an electronic media institution are met. During the year under review, the Technical Committee interviewed and scrutinized applications submitted by people and institutions to operate radio and television broadcasting stations, DTH/DSTV in the country. Those applicants that met the requirements were recommended for frequency allocations and by the end of the year, a total of four (4) community radio stations, one (1) commercial radio station, four (4)television stations and three (3)DTH/DSTV agencies that had applied for licenses in 2005 had been approved. By the end of the year all the radio stations were operational, only two DTH/DSTV agencies had started operations but only one television station ABC was functional. This brings the number of radio stations operating in the country to 32 and television stations to 2 (ABC and SLBS Freetown) and DTH/DSTV operators to 4. The Committee carried out familiarization and monitoring visits to registered community radio and television stations across the country to ascertain conformity with the provisions in the IMC Act. This exercise covered some of the stations in the Western Area, Bo, Kenema, Makeni and Mile 91. It is worth noting that almost all the regions of the country can now access information through their respective community radio stations. The university campus at Fourah Bay College now has a teaching radio station, Radio Mount Aureol which is expected to provide the necessary training along with other trainers including INFORMOTRAC for operators of the radio stations. 3.5 Applications Committee

viewed and recommended the registration of seven newspapers, thus bringing the total number of registered newspapers to 39. The Committee also visited the facilities of registered newspapers. The Commission however notes that the print media is concentrated in the Western Area. The reason might be obvious because the greater readership is found in Freetown. Now that there is peace and the decentralization process on full course, the Commission would like to see newspaper houses established in the provincial headquarter towns. 3.6 Secretariat Staff Meetings

The Secretariat staff met on a weekly basis with the Chairperson to plan the activities of the Commission. These meetings focused mainly on ensuring that decisions taken at the Regular Board Meetings and at the Committees were being implemented.

4.0 OTHER MAJOR ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMISSION

4.1 Establishment of the annual media awards scheme

This Committee consists of the following members: Commissioner Sam J. E. Metzger Chairman Commissioner Christo Johnson Commissioner Dr. Abu Bakarr Kargbo Commissioner Cassandra Davies Commissioner Patricia Macauley

To address one of its mandates, which is to ensure that media institutions achieve the highest level of efficiency in the provision of media services, the Board of the Independent Media Commission established an annual media award scheme in 2005, with the support of the leading mobile company, CELTEL. It set up a Committee of media stakeholders with the following members to organize the awards ceremony: -

Mr. Joshua Nicol (co-opted) Dr. Julius Spencer (co-opted) Mr. Christo Johnson - Commissioner Mr. Kenneth Osho (co-opted)
Mr. Francis Gabbidon (co-opted) Mrs. Georgette de Marke (co-opted) Mrs. Bernadette Cole - Commissioner

Chairman

It is responsible for receiving and screening applications for licensing and registration of print media institutions. During the year under review, the Committee inter-

Media practitioners were requested to send in entries in the

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following categories in both the print and electronic media: Best radio/TV reportage on development issues
Best news features Best investigative report Best original sport reportage

of 2006.

4.3 Repeal of the defamation and seditious libel laws Over the past two years, several calls were made by civil society, including SLAJ for the repeal of the defamation and seditious libel laws. The IMC monitored this development and participated in seminars and workshops organized by civil society organizations to deliberate on this matter. In September 2005, the IMC received a letter from H.E. the President expressing his thoughts on calls for the repeal of the 1965 Public Order Act regarding the defamation and seditious libel laws.

Two members of the annual Media Awards Scheme Committee L-R Mr. Joshua Nicol, Chairman and Dr. Julius Spencer.

The entries were to be original and should take the form of articles published in newspapers or magazines or programmes aired on radio or Television between January 1 and October 30, 2005. To ensure fairness, transparency and unbiased assessment of the entries, the judges were chosen, as far as possible, from among expatriates with background in mass communication, who were serving in various organisations in Sierra Leone. 38 entries were received. Prizes in the form of trophies and cash provided by CELTEL were awarded to eight winners.

As the body charged with the responsibility to advise the government on media policies, the IMC was requested to advise the President on the issue. The first step taken by the IMC was to conduct a press conference to: sensitise journalists about the content of the Public Order Act to discuss with them the content of the Presidents letter which included the suggestion for an insurance to be paid by each media organization against damages in libel suits as an alternative to the defamation and seditious libel laws to solicit suggestions from them for an alternative mechanism that would adequately protect the citizens against undue abuse by the media if the defamation and seditious libel laws were repealed.

4.2 Development of a Resource Centre The urge to ensure that media institutions achieve the highest level of efficiency in the provision of media services and promote research (two of the requirements in the Commissions mandate), found expression in the development of a Resource Centre during the year. With assistance from DFID, work on the establishment of the Resource Centre progressed satisfactorily. The Centre which is housed in the IMCs Secretariat is expected to be officially opened for use by journalists and other interested persons in the first quarter

Relevant papers were presented at the Press Conference by the Sierra Leone Bar Association, the Sierra Leone Ass ciation of Journalists, the Law Officers Department and the IMC. The Press Conference was followed by a series of sensitization and consultative phone-in discussion programmes on most of the radio stations in the western area. Workshops and radio discussion programmes were also held in the

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southern and northern provinces to consult with the citizenry on their views on the issue. All of these activities were supported by funds from the IMC. By the close of the year, the IMC funds were exhausted and the Commission

as follows: Commissioner Bernadette Cole Commissioner Cassandra Davies Chairperson

Commissioner Christo Johnson Commissioner Abu Bakarr Kargbo Commissioner Patricia Macauley Mr. Peter Tayoung (representing the international community) Alhaji I.B. Kargbo (President of SLAJ) Mr. Augustine Beecher (representing SLAJ) Mr. Crispin Edwards (representing the law) Mr. Isaac Massaquoi The Sensitisation and Consultation team comprising of three commissioners and Executive Sec(representing SLAJ) retary of the IMC and four reps from SLAJ pose for a group photograph in Makeni Mr. Ibrahim Karim Sei (Secretary General of SLAJ) appealed to ENCISS for financial assistance to cover the sensitization and consultation programme in the eastern 5.0 GENERAL province. The initial response is positive and coverage of the eastern province has been planned for February 2006. In general, the year 2005 witnessed substantial progress in The sensitization and consultation programme will culmi the IMC. One of its key mandates, which is to develop nate in a two-day wrap up national position seminar to be rules and regulations governing the operations of the media held in Freetown in 2006 with funding from the UNDP. and a Media Code of Practice was taken up with zest by the Commission with the active collaboration of the Sierra From the nation-wide consultations, three scenarios have so Leone Association of Journalists. This exercise was purfar emerged. There are those who believe that the defamasued simultaneously with the revision of the IMC Act to tion and seditious libel laws should be totally expunged synchronise the information in the Media Code of Practice from the 1965 Public Order Act and should not be replaced with that in the Act to minimize confusion in the future. It by anything. Others feel that the custodial sentences is expected that these documents will provide much-needed should be repealed and replaced by huge fines, while others guidelines to journalists for self-regulation and strengthen believe that given the frequency with which the public is the authority of the IMC to carry out its functions more being unjustly libeled by the press through irresponsible effectively and efficiently. reporting, the laws should be kept as they are for the time being. The status of the Chairperson, which had been a subject of It is expected that a consensus that will represent the national position on the issue will emerge at the wrap-up national position seminar in 2006 to enable the IMC transmit the national view on the issue to State Lodge and the general public. To ensure that SLAJ is fully involved at every stage of this task, a Repeal of the defamation and seditious libel laws committee was appointed by the IMC with the membership concern by the Board over a long period, was addressed by the Commission during the year under review. The Com mission is of the view that from the experience of the past, having a full-time Chairman as the Act prescribes and a full-time Executive Secretary, each of them wanting to run the day to day activities of the Commission will continue to plague the incumbents with frequent conflicts, frustration and bitterness. In the experience of the IMC, this situation led the former Chairman to concentrate more on his legal

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pursuits and very little on the chairmanship and provision of checks and balances in the handling of the Commissions funds. This situation lent itself to several anomalies and could in fact be attributed as one of the reasons for the alleged forgery and misappropriation of the Commissions funds by the former Executive Secretary, which matter is still in Court. A chairman who is not involved in the running of the day to day business of the Commission but provides leadership and direction to the work of the Secretariat will provide the necessary checks and balances that will enhance the smooth running of the Commission. Also it is the firm conviction of the Board that a chairman who gets his salary from elsewhere is more likely to maintain the independence that is required of the Commission, than one who depends on emoluments from the Commission for his upkeep. This position of the Board on this issue is reflected in the amendment of this section of the IMC Act, which document is currently being processed for the attention of parliament.

suggest to the Commission that there is need for training in investigative journalism and media law and ethics for re porters. The Commission will endeavour to source funds during the year to carry out training in these areas. The IMC must congratulate all those newspapers that came out regularly and were never brought before the Commission with complaints throughout the year. The Independent Media Commission (IMC) though small in stature, has a gigantic task ahead, if it should perform effectively and efficiently.

Throughout the year, the Commission continued to jealously guard its independence to ensure that it is not compromised. At no time did any arm of government attempt to mastermind the activities of the Commission or influence its work. Two members of the IMC Policy Committee that worked on the Media Code of Practice All complaints before the CommisL-R The Ombudsman, Mr. Francis Gabbidon and Mr. Christian Keili of SLAJ sion were treated with the same importance, objectivity, impartiality and neutrality. One From the registration of a handful of newspapers, one govnewspaper PEEP which wanted the Commission to come ernment owned radio and TV station and two independent out with a ruling in its favour, despite the fact that it could radio stations in 2001 when the Commission was estabnot substantiate the allegation which was the subject of the lished, there are now close to 40 newspapers and 33 radio complaint before the Commission and not the extraneous and TV stations. Almost every area of Sierra Leone can circumstances surrounding the matter, decided to use now access a community radio station. unsavoury articles to vilify the Commission in its subsequent publications. As mature and responsible citizens, the This growth of media institutions reflects the hard work Commissioners decided to ignore the papers provocative and commitment of the Commissioners in facing the chalarticles and to continue to focus its energies on more produclenge of promoting free and pluralistic media throughout tive pursuits. The Editor of the PEEP must however be Sierra Leone. With the spread of media throughout the warned that no citizen including journalists is above the law. country, the Commission now faces the challenge of moniThe number of complaints that were lodged at the Commission during the year and the nature of the offending articles toring their activities to ensure that they operate within the limits of the IMC Act and the Media Code of Practice.

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This calls for decentralization of the IMC by establishing units in the headquarter towns. This issue will be given considerable thought and discussion with relevant stakeholders during the year, with a view to developing a viable proposal and action plan. The Commission would like to take this opportunity to thank the Government for giving it a free hand to pursue its mandate without any interference. It must also thank the government for its annual subvention and to request that consideration be given for an increase to assist it meet its growing ac tivities. The Commission also registers its profound gratitude to DFID, PANOS Institute of West Africa and CELTEL for providing funding to actualize some of its programmes and projects during the year under review. Special thanks go to other partners including the Media Foundation for West Africa, the UNDP, IFJ, WAJA, the US Embassy, the British High Commission, the British Council, the German Embassy, SLAJ, ENCISS, Sam King Services, the Mass Communication Department at Fourah Bay College, C-MET, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and all media organizations operating in the country for their cooperation.

The Commission had bad experience with regard to financial management in the last administration. This is reflected in the Auditor-Generals report for 2002-2004. However, with the appointment of a new Chairperson and a Chief Accountant who have left no stone unturned in ensuring accountability and probity in all financial transactions of the commission, the situation has improved considerably. Several mechanisms have been put in place to maintain checks and balances and for regular financial reports to be submitted to the Board. 6.1 Funding

Major funding for the year under review came from the government. Other sources of funding were from fees collected for applications, registrations, licenses, fines, donations and donor support to specific projects and programmes. In June 2005, following a request from the IMC to Panos Institute of West Africa (PIWA) for financial support for the organization of a two-day residential workshop at Javouhey House to deliberate on the draft media code of practice, a sum of Le15.8m was received. A request to DFID for assistance in the setting up of a re source centre for journalists in the IMC Secretariat also attracted funding to the tune of Le33,585,000. CELTEL supported the maiden IMC/CELTEL media awards ceremony through the provision of the trophies and cash prizes. CELTEL also underwrote the expenses incurred at the Kimbima hotel where the awards ceremony and cocktails were held .

6.0 2005 FINANCIAL REPORT

Media development is a very important factor in any de mocratic process. The establishment of the Independent Media Commission (IMC) clearly indicates governments commitment to the freedom of expression by the media, while providing a mechanism for the protection of the rights of the citizens and the journalists themselves through regulation by an independent body. There is now a remarkable awareness of the need for information dissemination in the country. Unlike the past, civil society is now getting involved in the establishment of electronic media as well as serving as agents for direct to home satellite broadcasting. If not properly regulated, the convergence of all these media could become counterpro ductive. These developments call for increased financial support for the IMC to enable it perform its functions effectively.

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6.1.1 Income and Expenditure 2005 (in summary)

IN LEONES Approved budget Actual received Le Le Le Amt. Spent Balance year end Le

__________________________________________________________________________________________________ Govt. subvention Salaries Recurrent exp. 64,310,400 101,300,000 57,934,587 84,133,800 57,934,587 84,104,300 nil 29,500

___________________________________________________________________________________________________ IMC Funds donations, fees, etc Opening balance Funds received during year 23,025,439 82,550,800 105,576,239 Closing balance 83,344,226 22,232,013 22,261,513

__________________________________________________________________________________________________ IMC Dollar Account Approved budget Actual received Amt. Spent Balance year end

US$ US$ US$ US$ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ IMC Funds donations, fees, etc Opening balance Funds received during year 3,976 4,000 7,976 Less Bank charges Closing balance 90 7,886

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6.1.2

Audited Accounts

The Auditor-Generals Office audited the 2004 accounts of the Commission. The Auditors have had post-audit appraisal meetings with the Commission but are yet to submit the Report to the IMC. The 2005 accounts have been prepared and submitted to the Auditor-Generals Office for auditing.

Page 14

7.0

I M C THREE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN [2006 2008]

The Commission envisages growth between 2006 and 2008 in terms of its overall operations and the establishment of monitoring units in the provinces. 2006 and 2008 are years immediately before and after the elections when media institutions are expected to cover pre- and post- election activities. The Commission would therefore like to collaborate with other stakeholders to conduct training to raise the level of efficiency of the media in reporting in this area. It is against this background that the Commission has developed a three-year strategic plan as follows:OBJECTIVE 1. To strengthen the institutional capacity of the Commission so as to promote a free and pluralistic media throughout Sierra Leone ACTIVITIES . Provide an efficient work environment . Train staff . Provide better terms & conditions of service .Procure official vehicle EXPECTED COME OUTFY 2006 151,000,000 An efficient work environment provided .Staff members equipped to carry out their duties Personnel policy established .Official vehicle procured 2. To ensure that media institutions achieve the highest level of efficiency in the promotion of media services so as to improve their institutional capacity .Establish a Resource Centre. .Seminars and workshops for media practitioners . Radio/TV talk shows and discussions nationwide .Monitoring & evaluation of media facilities 3. To protect the interest of the public against exploitation or abuse by media institutions and to drastically reduce complaints . Launch a Media Policy document .Conduct workshops with journalists on the Rules and Regulations . Hold regular meetings of the Complaints Committee to resolve conflicts between journalists and the public. . Setting up of an internet caf for research purposes. A viable Resource Centre established . Media training workshops for media practitioners held . Monthly IMC talk shows held . Quarterly visits to media houses conducted . A national Media Policy document produced 10,000,000 10,000,000 12,000,000 103,218,000 118,700,000 136,505,805 3,500,000 3,500,000 5,000,000 FY 2007 221,000,000 FY 2008 223,500,000

60,000,000 2,000,000

2,000,000

2,000,000

4,000,000

4,000,000

4,000,000

15,000,000 16,000,000

15,000,000 19,000,000

15,000,000 22,000,000

. A considerable reduction in the number of complaints sent to the IMC. . An internet research caf set up.

37,500,000

43,000,000

43,000,000

4. To promote technological research and the development of adequate human resources for the advancement of the media industry throughout Sierra Leone 5. Audit

50,000,000

. To conduct a yearly audit of the IMC financial records

. Yearly audit conducted GRAND TOTAL

6,000,000

6,000,000

6,000,000

458,218,000

442,200,700

471,005,805
Page 15

8.0

CONSTRAINTS

8.1 Financial constraints

its activities. Allocations for visits cannot cope with the market demands to hire commercial vehicles for the purpose .This constraint needs urgent attention taking into account the points highlighted above.

As a young Commission, the IMC faces a great deal of financial challenges. Journalists and the general public are yet to understand and appreciate the important role of the Commission.

9.0 CONCLUSION AND SIGNATURE

The IMC would like to assure all stakeholders that if the proposals made in this report are given due attention it will perform its duties more efficiently and effectively.

The budget within which the Commission operates is very limited. Even the projection made in the three-year strategic plan will need an extraordinary effort to achieve some of the set objectives.

The Commission will therefore require government to review its financial allocation upwards. More importantly, the Commission will request for autonomy in the control of its revenue. By so doing the true independent nature of the Commission will be demonstrated and thus give confidence to its suspicious clientele.

Faithfully submitted

FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE INDEPENDENT MEDIA COMMISSION

8.2

Office equipment ..

Since the establishment of the Commission in 2001, there has been no procurement of office equipment. The existing office equipment, especially, computers are defective and insufficient.

Bernadette P. Cole (Mrs.) CHAIRPERSON

As a media regulatory body, the Commission is expected to be current with events around the world. Therefore, the Commission would need to be on line and also provide internet services for journalists. This facility is non-existent at the moment.

.. Date

The Commission will therefore require government and IMCs partners to intervene in this direction so as to enhance the capacity of the Commission. Logistics support Francis D. D. Ganda EXECUTIVE SECRETARY A major constraint facing the Commission is the lack of logistics support in the area of mobility. There is no vehicle or mo torbike. .. The Commission needs to continue its visitations of media in stitutions nationwide. It cannot achieve this objective within the limited budget. The Commission will therefore require government and IMCs partners to provide at least two very sturdy vehicles to facilitate
Page 16

Date

APPENDICES
ANNEX 1FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ANNEX1A IMC FINANCIAL STATEMENT JANUARY - DECEMBER 2005 The Commission started the year with Le23,025,439 in its current account (Leone account) and $ 3,976 in its US Dollar account.Both accounts are with the Sierra Leone Commerical Bank. Although the Government approved a budget of Le64,310,400 for salary grants ,the actual amount received was Le57,934,587. The government also approved a budget of Le101,300,000 for recurrent expense but the actual amount received was Le84,133,800. From these amounts, the balance at the end of the year w

The Commission also received funds through licence fees from radio stations and newspapers and grants from donors. The total received during the year under review was Le 82,550,800 for the following programmes/projects of the Commission. Grant from PANOS to fund the national media workshop Grant from DFID to fund the setting up of the Resource Centre Funds received from application and licence fees and the rest termed OTHERS -sale of vehicle and staff loan repayments etc 15,800,000 33,585,000 29,425,000 3,740,800 82,550,800 The Dollar account is maintained from international relay radio stations that pay their fees in dollars. Only one station VOA paid in 2005 The details of all financial transactions are in the appendix attached.

Prepared by .. Chief Accountant

Approved by Chairperson

Page 17

ANNEX 1B
Independent Media Comission Income and Expenditure Statement January - December 2005 Government subventions received in 2005 in leones Code Line items Budget Quarter one Quarter two Quarter three SALARIES 64,310,400 14,068,974 12,005,010 14,815,777

RECURRENT EXP. Fuel & lub.- veh Insurance and Compensation Office and General Stationery Provisions & toiletries Imprest Imprest Electricity Water Telecommunications Office supplies/Stores Building maintenance Machinery and Equipment maintenance Honararia & other allowances Professional Fees Generator running cost Travelling local Hire of Transport Uniform Office reception& Ent Office rent Audit Printing,PublicityAdvert TOTALS

1,500,000 216,200 25,783,800

1,000,000 3,000,000

1,500,000
100,000 100,000 1,090,000 12,000,000 1,500,000 100,000 150,000

9,200,000
500,000 500,000 3,800,000 12,000,000 1,500,000 1,500,000 8,000,000 4,000,000 3,000,000 2,000,000 3,000,000 1,000,000 29,000,000 4,000,000 101,300,000

3,810,000
1,000,000

4,000,000
1,500,000

2,000,000 3,000,000
400,000 600,000

12,200,000 22,000,000

11,850,000

Notes 1. Utilities are paid directly by Treasury to the utility houses - electricity, water and telephone sierratel bills 2. Items bold and italiced are expenses in which the cheques were deposited into IMC Commercial Bank account before disbursment. 3. All other transactions were made directly to the various suppliers.
Page 18

ANNEX 1C
Independent Media Comission Income and Expenditure Statement January - December 2005 Income from Applications, Registrations, Licence and other donations (IMC leones ACCT) Line items Quarter one Quarter two Quarter three Quarter four TOTAL Opening balance 23,025,439 23,025,439 33,585,000 Grant DFID 33,585,000 15,800,000 Grant PANOS 15,800,000 1,475,000 Application fees 350,000 675,000 300,000 150,000 2,600,000 Newspapers licence fees 300,000 600,000 900,000 800,000 25,350,000 Radio/tv licence fees 2,300,000 19,000,000 2,850,000 1,200,000 200,000 Donations towards chairman's funeral 200,000 1,630,800 Others(sale of official vehicle etc) 130,800 1,500,000 Government subvention 5,000,000 Transport hire/Localtravelling 2,000,000 3,000,000 10,700,000 Imprest 9,200,000 1,500,000 7,810,000 Honararium 3,810,000 4,000,000 1,910,000 Staff loan 560,000 502,000 848,000 TOTALS 26,306,239 31,535,000 59,747,000 11,498,000 129,086,239 Expenses from IMC Funds Line items Quarter one Quarter two Quarter three Quarter four TOTAL Total expenses 2,248,000 Generator expenses 728,000 150,000 548,000 822,000 3,742,500 Funeral exp.(late chairman F. Conteh) 1,000,000 2,742,500 13,550,269 Staff welfare (allowances,bonus,loans) 445,000 2,890,000 4,141,800 6,073,469 3,973,000 Stationery & IMC mtgs 1,619,000 950,000 1,404,000 2,494,200 Telephone bills 2,000,000 494,200 899,000 Curtains 899,000 1,020,000 Adverts 1,020,000 530,000 Office repairs 220,000 310,000 1,150,000 Electricity bill 1,150,000 252,325 Water bills 114,000 60,881 77,444 7,358,200 Imprest 2,405,500 2,414,000 2,538,700 5,000,000 lawyer retainer fee 2,500,000 2,500,000 9,700,000 Sitting allowances(Honararium) 160,000 5,960,000 3,580,000 6,422,300 Monitoring visits(T/P hire) 1,295,500 5,126,800 13,976,900 Workshop exp (PANOS) 13,826,900 150,000 30,500,000 Resource Centre (DFID) 30,000,000 500,000 3,175,000 Computer repairs 1,250,000 1,320,000 605,000 425,000 Miscellaneous 425,000 408,032 Bank charges 143,030 160,669 104,333 TOTALS 3,792,000 18,739,530 61,065,450 23,227,746 106,824,726 Excess income over expenses 31st Dec 2005 22,261,513
Page 19

ANNEX 1D

Independent Media Comission Income and Expenditure Statement January - December 2005 Income from Applications, Registrations, Licence and other donations (IMC dollar acct) Line items Quarter one Quarter two Quarter three Quarter four TOTAL Opening balance 3,976 3,976 Deposits made Application fees Registration fees 4,000 Annual licence fees 4,000 Other donations TOTALS 3,976 4,000 7,976

Expenses from IMC Funds (IMC dollar acct) Line items Total expenses Bank charges TOTALS Quarter one Quarter two Quarter three Quarter four TOTAL 15 15 45 45 15 15 15 15 90 90

Excess income over expenses 31st Dec 2005

7,886

Page 20

ANNEX II: NEWSPAPERS THAT REGISTERED WITH THE IMC IN 2005

No 1. 2. 3 4 5. 6. 7. NAMES OF EDITORS Dr. Sylvia Blyden Mr. Abdul Rahman-Swarray Mr. Victor Summer Mr. Ibrahim Karim Sei Ms. Betty Foray-Reid Mr. Victor Lewis Mr. Emmanuel Stafford NEWSPAPER Awareness Times New Tempo ATTAYA African Standard Evening Scoop Spectator City Voice

ADDRESS
24 Garrison Street 11 Regent Road 11 Kissy Road 31 Garrison Street 14 Lightfoot Boston St. 17 Pademba Road 68 Regent Road

ANNEX III: RADIO AND TELEVISION STATIONS THAT REGISTERED WITH THE IMC IN 2005
No. 1. 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9. 10. Name of Station Radio Bontico Eastern Radio Radio Gbonkolenken Radio Kolenten Radio Mount Aureol ABC Television Open Door CommunicaFortune Television Afritex Television Starr Television Address Bonthe Town Council 56 Blama Road. Kenema Yele, Gbonkolenken Chiefdom 11 Bai Farama Tass II Road, KamFourah Bay College (FBC) 5 Floor, Kissy House, 15 Bai Bureh Road, Kissy 34A Fudia Terrace, Hill Station 49 Waterloo Street, 2 Pyke Street, Freetown
th

Frequency MHz FM 96.9 MHz FM 101.9 MHz FM 101.9 MHz FM 104.0 MHz FM 107.3 MHz 482.2MHz 578.0-584.0MHz 250.0-262.4 MHz 263.2MHz-266.8MHz 2.108GHz

Status Community Community Community Commercial Community Commercial Religious Commercial Commercial Commercial

Page 21

ANNEX IV: DTH/DSTV AGENCIES THAT REGISTERED WITH THE IMC IN 2005
No. Name of Station Address Frequency MHz Status

1. 2 3

Trend Com Trend TV Trend Sayasha

17 Pademba Road 2 Charlotte Street c/o Alhaji Yayah Deen 7 College Road, Cline Town, Freetown

INTELSAT 907 INTELSAT 907 INTELSAT 907

Commercial Commercial Commercial

ANNEX IVA: COMPLETE LIST OF DTH/DSTV AGENCIES REGISTERED IN SIERRA LEONE

No. 1. 2 3 Name of Station Trend Com Trend TV Trend Sayasha Address 17 Pademba Road 2 Charlotte Street c/o Alhaji Yayah Deen 7 College Road, Cline Town, Freetown 39 Wilkinson Road, Freetown Frequency MHz INTELSAT 907 INTELSAT 907 INTELSAT 907 Status Commercial Commercial Commercial

4.

DSTV

Commercial

Page 22

ANNEX V: COMPLETE LIST OF NEWSPAPERS REGISTERED IN SIERRA LEONE

No 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 NAMES OF EDITORS Mr. Sahr Musa Yamba, Mr. Ibrahim Karim Sei Mr. A.B.S. Massaquoi Mr. Christopher Koker Mr. Richie Olu Gordon Mr. Osman Ben Kargbo Mr. Williams J. Smith Mr. Jonathan Leigh Mr. Sydney Pratt Mr. Sahr Mbriwa Mr. Charles N. Davies Mr. Foday Fofanah Mr. Desmond Conteh Mr. S.W. Bockarie Hon. Baba Conteh, Mr. Frank Kposowa Mr. Pious Foray Mr. Jacob I. Koroma Mr. Alpha R. Jalloh Mr. Christian Keili Mr. Charles F. Davies Mr. Joseph Mboka Mr. Kelvin Lewis Mr. Foday Sesay Mr. Sule Musa Mr. Sheik Sesay Mr. Tatafoe Tumoe Harry Yansaneh Mrs. Esme James Mass Comm Dept Mr. Emmanuel Stafford Ibrahim El Tayyib Bah SLENA Dr. Sylvia Blyden Mr. Abdul Rahman-Swarray Mr. Victor Summer Mr. Ibrahim Karim Sei Ms. Betty Foray-Reid Mr. Victor Lewis NEWSPAPER Concord Times Standard Times New Vision Advocate Peep Magazine New Citizen We Yone Newspaper Independent Observer The Trumpet Independent Voice Christian Monitor Herald Guardian Rokel Times Comment Angel Unity Democrat African Champion The Independent Salone Times Rural Network Policy AWOKO Youth Forum Newday Magazine Exclusive Newspaper The News For Di People Catalyst Magazine Aureol Torch City Voice The Post Sierra News Awareness Times New Tempo ATTAYA African Standard Evening Scoop Spectator ADDRESS 51 Krootown Road 2A Ascension Town Road 29 Rawdon Street 29 Rawdon Street 28 Savage Street 7 Wellington Street 13 Pademba Road 29 Rawdon Street Boot A1 Beaconsfield Off Fergusson St 1 Short Street 8 Howe Street 12 Bathurst Street FW Inter. 11 Regent Road 5 Edward Lane, F/town 5 Mary Street 29 Rawdon Street 14A George Street 1 Short Street Lamina Sankoh Street 16 Upper Brook Street 60 Old Railway Line 8 Liverpool Street 47 Percival Street 1 Short Street 69 Fort Street 2 Circular Road 24 Rawdon Street 1 Short Street CLC Bookshop Circular Rd C/o Mass Comm. Dept. FBC 68 Regent Road 31 Garrison Street 15 Wallace Johnson Street 24 Garrison Street 11 Regent Road 11 Kissy Road 31 Garrison Street 14 Lightfoot Boston St. 17 Pademba Road
Page 23

ANNEX VI: COMPLETE RADIO AND TV STATIONS REGISTERED IN SL

ADDRESS NO. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25. 26 27 28 29. 30 31 32 32 33 34 35
36

NAME OF STATIONS Radio Gbaft BBN Voice of the Handicapped Radio Democracy Radio Maria Voice of America Citizen FM KISS 104 Sky-FM 106 Radio Life Ventures Nongowa MOA MODCAR Voice of Islam Radio Mankneh Capital Radio Radio New Song Radio Bintumani Voice of the Peninsula Radio Tombo Ministry of Education Radio Station Eastern Radio Radio Kolenten Radio Bontico Radio Gbonkonlenken Radio UNAMSIL SLBS, Satellite Station SLBS, Satellite Station SLBS, Satellite Station SLBS SLBS, New England Radio Mount Aureol Radio France International Open Door Communication TV Fortune Television Afritex TV ABC TV
SLBS, TV New England

Mile 91 Romankneh GBAFT Believers Broadcasting Network Pademba Road, Freetown 18J Oniel Street Quarry, Off Mends Street . Signal Hill Freetown/7 Small Waterloo Street Makeni Leicester Village Thunder Hill, Kissy, Freetown BO Mount Joy 3 Soldier Street Freetown C/o Chief Suwu, Nyandema Kenema Kenema Village Kailahun District 16 Mission Road, Moyamba 2 Yamson Lane, Kissy Shell, Freetown 35 Missiri Street, Makeni 49D Wilkinson Road 73 Old Railway Line, Sewa Road, Bo Kabala Town 2 Findley Street, Tombo Village New England Ville 56 Blama Road, Kenema Kambia Bonthe Town Council 11 Bai Farama Tass Road Kambia 1 Aberdeen Bo Kenema Kono/Koidu Town Makeni New England Mount Aureol, FBC c/o Kelvin Lewis 15 Bai Bureh Road, Kissy 34A Fudia Terrace 49 Waterloo Street 6th Floor Kissy House,54 Siaka Stevens Street
New England

FREQUENCY MHz 91.6 MHZ 93.0 MHZ 96.2 MHZ 98.1 MHZ 101.1 MHZ 102.4 MHz 103.7 MHz 104.0 MHz 106.0 MHz 97.2 MHz 101.3MHz 105.5 MHz 94.8 MHz 103.0 MHz 92.1 MHz 102.7 MHz 97.2 MHz, 107.3 MHz 96.0 MHz 95.3MHz 101.9MHz 92.4MHz 96.9MHz 103.0MHz 96.5MHz 93.5MHz 90.2MHz 103.0MHz 99.9 MHz FM107.3 FM 89.9MHz 576.0 -584.0MHz 2500MHz -2624MHz 2.632-2.668GHZ 482.2MHZ

Page 24

ANNEX VII: COMPLAINTS RECEIVED FROM THE PUBLIC IN 2005

NO. DATE IMC RECEIVED COMPLAINT NAME OF COMPLAINANT OFFENDING NEWSPAPER/ RADIO STATION NATURE OF COMPLAINT DECISION TAKEN BY IMC STATUS OF THE COMPLAINT/ DECISION TAKEN BY IMC The newspaper complied

27th January,2005

NACSA

Independent Voice

Libel against the Deputy Commissioner

The newspaper was order to publish a retraction of the story and apologise

14th March,2005

The Sierra Leone Police

The Society for Radio Democracy F.M 98.1

Publication of false news

After the IMC had counseled both parties, it was agreed that the matter be laid to rest The newspaper was ordered to retract the story and apologise The newspaper complied

17th March 2005

Ibrahim Morikeh Fofanah

The Editor New People newspaper

Defamation and Libel

Page 25

ANNEX VII: COMPLAINTS RECEIVED FROM THE PUBLIC IN 2005 CONTD N O.

DATE IMC RECEIVED COMPLAINT 5th April,2005 NAME OF COMPLAINANT OFFENDING NEWSPAPER/ RADIO STATION The Editor of Standard Times newspaper NATURE OF COMPLAINT DECISION TAKEN BY IMC STATUS OF THE COMPLAINT/ DECISION TAKEN BY IMC This decision was communicated to the complainant and a press release was issued to the effect

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Industry

False News

10th April,2005

The Regional Director Search for Common Ground

The Editor of Standard Times newspaper

Libel

Since the hearings were overtaken by an inquiry initiated by the ADB and in view of the fact that the Ministrys representatives failed to appear at subsequent hearings, the IMC decided to strike the matter off its list of complaints representatives In view of the fact that the complainant was for the most part out of the country and could therefore not attend hearings and could also not give a date on which she could be present, the Commission decided to discontinue the matter The newspaper was ordered to retract the story and apologise

This decision was communicated to the complainant and a press release was issued to the effect

13th April 2005

Mr. Kanji Daramy

Defamation and libel

The Editor New People newspaper

The newspaper complied

25th April, 2005

The Commander of 4th Battalion, Teko Barracks The Deputy Minister of Health and Sanitation

The Editor of Exclusive Times newspaper

Defamation and libel

The newspaper was ordered to retract the story and apologise

The newspaper complied

29th April,2005

The Editor of Standard Times newspaper

Defamation and libel

The newspaper was ordered to retract the story and apologise

The newspaper complied

16th May,2005

The Ombudsman, Mr. Francis Gabbidon

The Editor of Trumpet newspaper

Defamation and Libel

The newspaper to publish a retraction and an apology

The newspaper complied

Page 26

ANNEX VII: COMPLAINTS RECEIVED FROM THE PUBLIC IN 2005 CONTD

NO. DATE IMC RECEIVE D COMPLAINT NAME OF COMPLAINANT OFFENDING NEWSPAPER/ RADIO STATION NATURE OF COMPLAINT DECISION TAKEN BY IMC STATUS OF THE COMPLAINT/ DECISION TAKEN BY IMC

10.

1st June, 2005

The Executive Director First Media Group

Without any prompting from the IMC, the newspaper apologized as soon as he received a letter from the Commission inviting him to a hearing. The complainant accepted apology from the editor and the matter was laid to rest

Contravention of copyright Law

The editor apologised to complainant before the Commission started hearing on the matter

The matter was amicably settled between the two parties.

11

15th June, 2005

The AntiCorruption Commission

The Editor of Standard Times newspaper

Libel

In view of the fact that after the first few hearings, the complainant stopped attending meetings of the Complaints Committee and despite several reminders they still did not attend, the Commission decided to strike off the complaint from the list. After two hearings the Commission realised that the matter was subjudice. The IMC therefore decided to discontinue hearings and counseled the editor to desist from making comments on the matter.

This decision was communicated to the complainant and a press was release put out to the effect

12

6thJuly, 2005

The Sierra Leone Society for the Welfare of the Aged

The Editor of Standard Times newspaper

Defamation and Libel

The matter is still subjudice

13

6th July, 2005

The President of SLFA

The Editor, Independent Observer

Defamation and Libel

The newspaper was requested to retract the story and apologise.

The newspaper complied

Page 27

ANNEX VII: COMPLAINTS RECEIVED FROM THE PUBLIC IN 2005 CONTD

N O. DATE IMC RECEIVED COMPLAINT
4th August,2005

NAME OF COMPLAINAN T

OFFENDING NEWSPAPER/ RADIO STATION

The Editor of African Champion newspaper

NATURE OF COMPLAINT

DECISION TAKEN BY IMC

STATUS OF THE COMPLAINT/ DECISION TAKEN BY IMC

The newspaper complied

14

NaCSA

Defamation and Libel

The newspaper was requested to retract the story and apologise

15

26th September,2005

ONS

The Editor of Standard newspaper

Breach of secrecy under the laws Times of Sierra Leone

After one hearing the Commission realised it could not continue with the matter since a Commission of Enquiry had been set-up by the Government to look into the issue

16

11th August 2005

Hon. Princess Baba Jigida

The editor of New Vision newspaper

Defamation and Libel

The newspaper was ordered to retract the story and apologise

The newspaper complied

17

15th August 2005

The President Alhaji Dr. Ahmad Tejan Kabba

The editor, Peep Magazine

Defamation and libel

The newspaper was ordered to retract the story and apologise

The newspaper did not comply. A Fine of Le500, 000 was levied for contempt of IMC; the newspaper still refused to comply. The matter is currently before the Commission. The newspaper complied

18

7th September 2005

The Ombudsman, Mr. Francis Gabbidon The Ombudsman, Mr. Francis Gabbidon

The Editor, New Vision newspaper

Defamation and libel

The newspaper was ordered to retract the story and apologise The newspaper was ordered to retract the story and apologise

19

7th September 2005

The Editor, Exclusive newspaper

Defamation and libel

The newspaper complied

Page 28

ANNEX VII: COMPLAINTS RECEIVED FROM THE PUBLIC IN 2005 CONTD

N O.

DATE IMC RECEIVED COMPLAINT 7th September,2005

NAME OF COMPLAINANT

OFFENDING NEWSPAPER/ RADIO STATION

NATURE OF COMPLAINT

DECISION TAKEN BY IMC

STATUS OF THE COMPLAINT/ DECISION TAKEN BY IMC The representative of the complainant apologise to the editor and the matter was laid to rest

20

Christian Childrens Fund (CCF)

The managing Editor, Standard Times newspaper

Libel

Since the Editor of Standard Times was able to substantiate the allegations in the offending story, the complaint was dismissed. The newspaper was ordered to retract the story and apologise The newspaper was ordered to retract the story and apologise

21

8th September,2005 14th September,200 5

Mr. Samir Hassaniyeh The Ombudsman, Mr. Francis Gabbidon

The managing Editor, African Champion The Managing Editor, Trumpet newspaper

Libel

The newspaper complied

22

Defamation and libel

The newspaper complied

23

18th October,2005

Mr. Alusine Kamara Publicity Secretary PMDC J.S KeifalaExecutive Director, SLRTA

The Managing Editor, New vision newspaper New People newspaper

False Report

The complaint was withdrawn by the complainant of his own volition The Complainant appeared only once for hearing. The Commission dismissed the case

24

19th October,2005

Defamation and Libel

25

7th November,2005

His Grace Bishop Abu Koroma

The Managing Editor, Pool newspaper The Managing Editor, Peep newspaper The Managing Editor, Exclusive newspaper

Defamation

The newspaper was ordered to retract and apologise

The newspaper complied

26

16th November,200 5 17th November, 2005

Mr. Willie O.Pratt

Defamation and libel

Hearing is in progress

Hearing is in progress

27

Station Manager,SLBS Makeni

Defamation and Libel

The newspaper was ordered to retract the story and apologise

The newspaper complied

Page 29

FOR INFORMATION ON THE IMC CONTACT: THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY INDEPENDENT MEDIA COMMISSION 3RD FLOOR, KISSY HOUSE 54, SIAKA STEVENS STREET FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE TEL: (232 22) 221840/221835 (232) 076 724 854