Local radio journalists in Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia need critical supplies
The World Federation of Science Journalists (WFSJ) in association with Hirondelle USA and the World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (AMARC) created this fundraising campaign to help local radio stations and their staff in Ebola-affected regions. This is the first stage of a soon-to-be-launched international journalism training program initiated by the WFSJ. The program will contribute to bridging the communication gap among key stakeholders in the Ebola crisis, by positioning local media at the center of the communication channels and enhancing the use of credible information by the media.
Current Situation
The Ebola outbreak continues to threaten the economy and lives of many families in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea.
Beyond the devastating effect of Ebola, poor communication has clearly heightened fear among the public, while potentially seeding confusion among scientists and journalists who report the outbreak. Until now, much of the official communication efforts on Ebola haven’t been very effective at reaching communities that exist largely in an information blackout. There is a certain degree of mistrust between the local communities that have been hit hard by the virus and the various agencies on the ground whose messages don’t always concur with local culture and idiom. Amongst other things, this led to the sad story of eight members of a team—including two journalists—trying to raise awareness about Ebola, being killed by villagers in Guinea.
What we need
In many regions rural radio is the most trusted source of information for local communities. But these local radios lack the tools to report accurately and timely in this chaotic situation. They need fuel and electricity to air their programs, telephone and voice recorders to carry out interviews, transportation to reach their news “sources” and the communities.
Hirondelle USA and AMARC in Western Africa will use the funds to buy much needed supplies and equipment that will be distributed amongst a range of local community and rural radio stations based in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea. A list of beneficiary stations will be provided upon request.