The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) has officially launched a new policy regulation aimed at the professional registration, accreditation and accountability of journalists, media practitioners, and media institutions across Liberia.
Speaking at a press conference held at the PUL Headquarters on March 18, 2025 on Clay Street in Monrovia.
The Union’s President, Julius Kanubah, described the initiative as a landmark step toward strengthening journalistic integrity and media accountability.
He emphasized that the policy addresses key concerns, including the improper granting of full membership rights to ineligible individuals and the lack of accountability among practicing journalists.
According to President Kanubah, the regulation is designed to uphold the principles of media freedom, independent journalism and the protection of journalists’ rights, while also ensuring adherence to ethical standards.
Developed in collaboration with the PUL Membership Committee and media stakeholders, the regulation will guide the resumption of journalist registration and professional accreditation, which is set to begin on March 19, 2025.
The new policy outlines several critical measures to ensure compliance with the PUL Constitution and By-Laws, the Code of Ethics, and the Conduct Guidelines for Liberian Journalists, some of the major provisions include,
All journalists and media institutions must comply with professional and ethical standards set by the PUL, Transparent Accreditation Process
A systematic and credible procedure will be followed for registering and accrediting journalists.
The policy specifies the privileges and obligations of accredited members, including voting rights, access to professional training, networking opportunities, and welfare benefits.
The PUL Membership Committee, chaired by Winnie Saywah Jimmy, Managing Publisher and Editor of The Inquirer Newspaper, has pledged a rigorous review process for all applications,
Journalists and media institutions failing to meet their annual registration and membership dues will be classified as delinquent, impacting their ability to participate in PUL activities and elections,
The policy aims to eliminate fraud and conflicts arising from irregularities in the PUL membership process.
Mrs. Winnie Saywah Jimmy, who leads the Membership Committee, assured journalists that only qualified applicants will be granted membership.
She reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to enforcing the PUL Constitution and ensuring a transparent, fair and professional registration process.
The PUL, one of Liberia’s oldest civic organizations, remains a pillar of press freedom and media development in the country.
With this new policy, the Union seeks to further enhance its credibility both nationally and internationally, offering accredited members increased recognition and professional opportunities.
Journalists and media professionals who fail to comply with the new accreditation requirements risk losing vital membership privileges, including voting rights in PUL leadership elections, participation in policy-making congresses and access to professional development programs.
The new regulation is in line with Article 15 of the Liberian Constitution and multiple provisions of the PUL Constitution and Code of Ethics.
With the official implementation beginning March 19, 2025, the PUL urges all journalists, media institutions, and communication practitioners to adhere to the new registration framework and ensure their professional standing within the Union.