WHY LIBERIA? WHY NOW?

Liberia has one of the oldest newspaper industries in all of West Africa. The first paper, the Liberian Herald, began printing in 1826, shortly after the country was founded by free African Americans and freed slaves in the early 1820s. During Liberia’s civil conflict, which ended in 2003, real journalism virtually ceased. Many newspapers and radio stations were shut down by former president, Charles Taylor, leaving the media dominated by voices that were directed by - or favorable to - Mr. Taylor. The state television station, ELTV, was off the air for most of the civil war. Some editors and reporters were jailed, some killed. In the midst of the war, it became too dangerous to adhere to the principles of objective journalism, which have been such a long and proud tradition in that country. 

The industry has since rebounded vivaciously. In Monrovia, the country’s capital, readers have a choice of about 10 daily papers and an equal number of weekly publications. 

ELTV has resumed broadcasting, principally as a commercial station, and there is a growing number of online news sites. As the country continues to pull itself out of the devastation caused by 15 years of brutal civil strife, the presence of so many newspapers – and diverse opinions and voices – stands as a sign of encouragement about Liberia’s prospects. However, the quality of media and journalism in Liberia spans a broad spectrum. 

A cadre of well trained and highly motivated journalists can play a vital role in Liberia’s political, social, and economic revitalization. The J. P. Hicks Family Mass Communication Scholarship Fund is designed to identify, assist and encourage future journalists with a strong commitment to both the ideals of a free press and the progress of their country.