The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) is calling for swift presidential intervention in the rapidly deteriorating crisis at the state-owned Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS). Both workers and the Senior Management Team have confirmed that it has transformed into a toxic environment.
The PUL believes that unless President Joseph Nyuma Boakai takes immediate action to intervene and address the crisis at LBS, the situation could degenerate, potentially leading to the disruption or shutdown of the station in the coming days.
Following a weeklong investigative and mediatory mission, the PUL concludes that the crisis at LBS is a manifestation of gross administrative ineptitude, underpinned by a disregard for the basic standards guiding inclusive, transparent, and accountable management.
At the heart of this administrative leadership incompetence is the Director General, Mr. Eugene Fahngon, who has continued to take actions without broad-based consultations to generate consensus within the Senior Management Team and with the workers through their legitimate Union.
Furthermore, the PUL has termed as unacceptable Mr. Fahngon’s arbitrary dismissal of the president of the LBS Workers Union, journalist Joseph Sayon. Sayon has been leading efforts to restore a number of workers’ benefits while challenging what the Workers Union describes as “managerial authoritarianism” exhibited by Fahngon.
This dismissal not only violates the Liberian Constitution but also contravenes the labor laws of Liberia, which guarantees workers’ rights against targeted repressive actions such as suspension or dismissal while advocating through their legitimate Union.
The PUL calls on Mr. Fahngon to reverse the dismissal of Sayon, cease the intimidation of all journalists and employees at LBS, and change his abrasive leadership style, or face removal from his position.
All avenues, including legal actions and engagement with the LBS Board of Directors and the Legislature, are being explored by the PUL to ensure that the dismissal of Sayon is overturned and the restoration of pending workers’ benefits is prioritized.
Moreover, the PUL believes it is imperative to transform LBS into a truly public service broadcaster. The management team should be independently vetted through a merit-based system, emphasizing strong mechanisms of public accountability and a commitment to independence, impartiality, and the pursuit of the public interest.
Currently, despite Liberia’s transition to a democratic governance structure, the operations of LBS rely on Military Decree #20 of the People’s Redemption Council, which Mr. Fahngon boasts about using to implement his controversial actions while excluding three of the six deputies appointed by President Boakai.
-30-
