By: Peter Dennis

IPNews-Monrovia: The Publishers Association of Liberia (PAL) has conducted a high level media Editors’ forum.

The forum is being fully sponsored by InterNews through the United States Aid for International Development Liberia Media Development Program.

The day long High Level Media Editors’ forum is being held under theme: ‘ Strengthening Media Editorial Leadership During Elections.’

The participants of the forum are expected to have an indebt comprehension of the below core topics: the role of the media in Civic and voters’ education; Election coverage and avoiding conflict; Security implications and precautions for journalists covering elections; and ensuring balanced media coverage during election.

At the climax of the event, there will be a launch of editorial handbook for media Editors.

In her opening remarks, Internews’ Chief of Party Madam Lien Bach said, the USAID funded Liberia Development Program, implemented by internews in partnership with the Publishers Association of Liberia is hosting this forum that brings together 17 editors of leading media houses in Liberia in a discussion about the professional challenges faced when reporting on elections and the referendum.

“This is a great opportunity for you to share your unique experience, knowledge and insights with one another” Madam Bach mentioned.

She however urged editors to further empower journalists to produce fact-based and objective reports that resonate with the electorate to promote free and fair election.

“Our internews media advisor has developed a Newsroom Manual as a too to guide editors prepare for the election coverage that we are proud to present to you today” Madam Lien Bach concluded.

For his parts, the Publishers Association of Liberia president, Othello Garblah described the occasion as necessary and timely.

“This program has come at a time when it’s necessary to us as journalists or editors. We are very glad to have a team of the Publishers Association of Liberia (PAL)” Garblah noted.

At the same time, the Press Union of Liberia president, Charles Coffey, Jr, extolled both internews and the Publishers Association of Liberia for the gathering adding that “this occasion will strengthen journalists particularly editors”.

Charles admonished the gathering to shed hate messages in their reportage, although he didn’t mention any occurrence.

“We should consider all sides as you as an editor are the gateway” he concluded.
The 17 participants are drawn from the Independent Probe Newspaper, Frontpage Africa, New Dawn, women voices, Independent Inquirer, the Daily Observer, Heritage, Inquirer, Hot Pepper, Liberian Express, In Profile, New Democrat, the New Republic, the News, Analyst and the public Agenda.

The event is being held at the Corina Hotel in Sinkor, Monrovia.