MONROVIA – Danicius Kainhenneh Sengbeh, a seasoned Liberian journalist and media professional, has issued a passionate defense of journalism as a profession rooted in hard work, truth-telling, and national service. In a Facebook post published on Tuesday, April 29, Sengbeh rejected any notion that journalism is a lazy man’s job, insisting instead that the field demands unshakable integrity and relentless effort.
“Journalism is not a profession for the idle; it requires hard work, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to truth,” Sengbeh wrote. “A journalist must conduct thorough research, uncover facts, and never rely on hearsay.” He urged his fellow media practitioners to go beyond surface-level reporting and embrace their duty as “the nose, eyes, ears, and voice of the people.”
Sengbeh, who currently serves as Manager for Communications, Media and Public Affairs at the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), brings more than two decades of experience to his commentary. He previously served as Secretary General of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) and as Editor-In-Chief of The Informer Newspaper (2006–2014), one of Liberia’s most respected dailies. His journalism career began in 2001, during which he served in various editorial roles at The Independent Newspaper, and previously reported for the now-defunct Patriot Newspaper and Kiss FM.
He was elected Assistant Secretary General of the PUL in 2011 and later served as Secretary General after winning election in 2013. Sengbeh is also a published poet and writer, a UN Media Fellow, and the first Liberian journalist to win a United Nations Medal for his contributions to the profession. In 2012, he became only the second Liberian journalist in 15 years to qualify for and attend the prestigious UN Reham Al-Farra Memorial Journalist Fellowship Program in New York and Geneva.
“If you’re not willing to step outside your comfort zone, confront challenges, and put in the necessary effort, it may be time to reconsider your path,” he warned, suggesting that those lacking the drive for journalism may find better fulfillment in hands-on careers like farming, banking, or carpentry. But he noted that even those vocations depend on journalism to tell their stories.
Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication and Sociology from the University of Liberia and a Diploma in Journalism from the International School of Journalism, Sengbeh has studied and earned journalism credentials from programs in Ghana, China, the United States, and Switzerland. He has received multiple awards for excellence in media and communications both locally and internationally.
Sengbeh concluded his message with a call to action for dedicated professionals: “If you’re truly ready to embrace the hard truth and make an impact, then stick with journalism; the world needs dedicated voices to illuminate both struggles and triumphs. Journalism and true journalists are not lazy.”
The hashtags #theweepingpen and #makingjournalismbetter accompanied his post, signaling the continuation of his advocacy for integrity and accountability in Liberian journalism.
