Abdullah L. Kamara, Acting Chairman of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), has issued a strong call for ethical and independent journalism, warning that press freedom in the digital age must be accompanied by integrity and responsibility.
He made the remarks Friday during a keynote address commemorating World Press Freedom Day 2025 at Monrovia City Hall.
This year’s global theme, “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media,” was locally adapted to emphasize “Sustaining Independent Journalism and Press Freedom in the Digital Age”—a subject Kamara tackled with urgency and depth.
“Today’s media landscape is dynamic and fast evolving,” Kamara told an audience of journalists, government officials, civil society actors, and development partners. “New platforms and tools allow stories to travel faster and farther than ever. Artificial Intelligence is changing how news is produced and consumed. But amid this transformation, we must ask: Can the press remain independent? Can it remain credible? Can it continue to serve as a bulwark of democracy?”
As head of the agency that regulates the nation’s digital infrastructure, Kamara emphasized that the LTA views press freedom as a critical national interest, particularly in its mandate to regulate access to the internet, radio, and television broadcast spectrum.
“Independent journalism remains essential to our national development. It gives voice to the voiceless, checks power, and holds up the mirror to society. But independence must go hand-in-hand with responsibility. And so, I encourage all members of the press: Be accurate. Be balanced. Be correct in your reportage,” he urged.
Kamara also praised the openness of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., to media scrutiny and encouraged journalists to continue engaging constructively with government policies.
“Let me be clear on this point: For His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., positive criticism of his government is not only welcome, but also essential. A government that listens to the press is a government that serves its people better.”
He outlined three key areas of focus to sustain journalism and press freedom in the digital age.
First, Kamara emphasized the need to close the digital divide. He noted that access to affordable, reliable internet is not a luxury but a necessity for journalists, citizens, and institutions alike. He reaffirmed the LTA’s commitment to expanding broadband services across the country to ensure that no region, media outlet, or citizen is left behind.
Second, he stressed the importance of strengthening legal and institutional safeguards. Kamara stated that press freedom cannot thrive without protection and called for information and communications technology (ICT) frameworks that promote freedom of expression, shield journalists from harassment, and enable public access to information. “We advocate for laws that reflect democratic values in a digital era,” he said.
Third, he addressed the need to build digital and ethical capacity within the media. According to Kamara, digital literacy, cybersecurity, AI ethics, and investigative reporting skills are now essential competencies for journalists. He encouraged collaboration across sectors to support training, especially for community-based and young reporters, and underscored the need for the public to be educated on how to critically evaluate digital content.
He further announced that the LTA will partner with the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) on a series of capacity-building initiatives aimed at equipping journalists to responsibly engage with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
“AI is already here. We will ensure that we set online guidelines to timely intervene on fake news and AI-related misinformation,” Kamara added.
Reflecting on personal experience, Kamara revealed that he himself had been a victim of media bias and fake news. “Even I have been a victim of biased press and fake news, so I am particularly interested in a professional press,” he said. “You must differentiate yourselves from clickbait and ‘like and share’ journalists. Weed out the ransom journalists, be critical of election-period journalists, and draw a line between journalism and advocacy.”
He concluded by saluting the resilience and importance of journalists across Liberia, whether in Monrovia or in remote counties, in print or on the airwaves, online or in the field.
“Your work matters. Your courage inspires. Your role is indispensable to Liberia’s democratic journey,” Kamara declared. “As we commemorate World Press Freedom Day, let us stand together for a press that is not only free, but fair, factual, and fearless.”
