Budgetary Support To Liberia’s Creative Industry Reviewed

By: Fiona Benson Kollie

The House of Representatives is reviewing a proposal seeking increased budgetary support for Liberia’s creative sector through the Liberia National Tourism Authority.

The decision was prompted by a formal communication from Montserrado County Electoral District #17 Representative, Rep. Bernard Blue Benson, Jr., who underscored the critical importance of investing in the creative industry an ecosystem that spans arts, culture, design, and media, all of which play an essential role in strengthening the nation’s tourism sector.

In his communication, Benson highlighted several key benefits of supporting the creative industry:

He emphasized that the creative sector serves as a powerful engine for economic development—creating jobs, stimulating innovation, and boosting GDP. Increased support would enhance entrepreneurship and open new business opportunities across the country.

 

Rep. Benson noted that vibrant creative expressions such as festivals, art exhibitions, and theater productions attract both domestic and international tourists, thereby increasing revenue for tourism-related businesses and local communities.

He further stressed that investing in the creative industry encourages cross-disciplinary collaboration among artists, designers, and entrepreneurs, fostering innovation and enhancing Liberia’s competitiveness on the global stage.

Following deliberations, Plenary forwarded the proposal to the Committee on Ways, Means, Finance and Budget for review and possible inclusion in the 2026 National Budget.

 House Passes Community Radio Station Act

By: Fiona Benson Kollie

The Plenary of the House of Representatives has passed into law, ‘An Act for the Ownership, Management, Licensing and Operation of Community Radio Stations in Liberia.’

The decision was reached on Thursday, November 4, 2026 , during the 14th Day Sitting of the 3rd Quarter Session.

The passage of  the legislation followed a comprehensive review by the Joint Committee on Information, Broadcasting, and Judiciary. The bill, originally submitted by Rep Nyahn G. Flomo on June 4, 2024, who accordingly saw the need that community radio stations are governed and managed probably.

He said the bill also aims at establishing a sustainable and transparent regulatory framework for the community radio sector recognizing its critical role in Liberia’s peace building efforts, national development, in the dissemination of public information.

Rep. Flomo who is from the media background, said the passage of the bill means a lot, noting that community radio stations also play a crucial role in Liberia’s development process.

He, at the same time, appreciated his colleagues at the Lower House and further called on the Senate to do likewise for the betterment of the country.

At the same time, in adherence to Rule 31.4 of the House’s Rules and Procedures, the bill was subjected to due diligence, including public hearings and extended stakeholder consultations. On June 28, 2024, the Joint Committee, in partnership with Internews/USAID, convened a well-attended one-day public hearing at the Creed Lodge in Marshall, Margibi County. Participants included representatives from the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT), the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and community radio practitioners across the country.

A detailed report from the Joint Committee outlines the participatory process and provides a matrix of key stakeholder concerns along with the Committee’s corresponding recommendations. Among the major amendments incorporated into the revised draft are:

A clear and concise definition of a “Community” within the context of community radio;

Provisions ensuring authentic community ownership and management of stations;

A structured mechanism to consolidate multiple stations within a community into a single entity after a five-year period;

Strengthened licensing procedures to curb fraud, including a requirement for a notarized Board Resolution;

Clarification of the regulatory roles of MICAT and the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) in the licensing framework;

Establishment of a Community Radio National Budgetary Allocation Management Committee to administer an annual 0.25% allocation from the National Budget for the sector’s sustainability; and

Enhanced transparency and accountability measures governing political and personal donations to community radio stations.

Upon presenting its findings, the Joint Committee recommended that the proposed adjustments be formally incorporated into the bill and circulated to all Members of the House. Following its third reading, Plenary voted overwhelmingly to pass the Act and forward it to the Honorable Liberian Senate for concurrence.

The House of Representatives has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Liberia’s media landscape, promoting community empowerment, and safeguarding access to accurate and timely public information.