Independent Media Commission of Sierra Leone - IMC

PRESS RELEASE
Wednesday, 4th March 2026: IMC Ratifies Complaints Committee Recommendations on Media Ethics and Professional Conduct.

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IMC Engages Media Stakeholders on Responsible Broadcasting and Political
Communication.

Breaking News‼️IMC, International IDEA Strengthen Sierra Leone’s Online Media Regulation Framework at Two-Day Retreat in Bo

By: Peter Munda Stevens

Tuesday, November 4, 2025 | With support from the European Union (EU), the Independent Media Commission (IMC) in collaboration with the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) has held a two-day retreat in Bo aimed at drafting and reviewing key provisions of the IMC Act on Online Media Registration, Licensing, and Regulation.

The event, held from November 3rd to 4th, 2025, brought together media regulators, government representatives, media practitioners, and development partners to deliberate on strategies for strengthening Sierra Leone’s media regulatory framework in the digital age.

This initiative forms part of the implementation of Tripartite Recommendation 76, which calls for critical reforms to enhance the IMC’s regulatory capacity, independence, and effectiveness, particularly in addressing emerging trends in the digital communication space.

In his welcoming address, IMC Executive Secretary, Khali Kallon, stressed the importance of establishing a comprehensive and modern legal framework that ensures accountability, professionalism, and freedom of expression within Sierra Leone’s rapidly growing online media sector.

“Our goal is to strike a fair balance between regulation and rights protection, to create a space where free expression thrives, but responsibility remains the anchor,” Mr. Kallon stated.

He further highlighted the growing influence of online media platforms and the need for effective mechanisms to monitor, license, and guide their operations while maintaining press freedom and ethical standards.

The Chairman of the IMC, Joseph Egbenda Kapuwa, Esq., reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to deepening media freedom while promoting accountability and professional conduct.

“We are aware that many online content creators based overseas continue to influe

he Independent Media Commission (IMC) has called on media stakeholders to support ongoing consultations on the review of the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC). The Executive secretary says the reform process is key to ensuring that SLBC serves the wider public interest .
The call was made during a stakeholder consultation session on the review of the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation Act 2010.

Delivering a statement on behalf of the IMC Chairman, Mr. Joseph Egbenda Kapuwa Esq, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Mr. Khalili Kallon, emphasized the importance of transforming SLBC into a national broadcaster that truly represents the voices of all Sierra Leoneans.

Mr. Kallon noted that the SLBC must be positioned to serve as the “true voice of the people” by capturing diverse perspectives and ensuring fair representation across the country. He encouraged participants to contribute meaningfully to the reform process and work together to strengthen public trust in the national broadcaster.

He concluded his remarks by wishing stakeholders fruitful deliberations as they continue discussions on shaping the future of SLBC.

The consultation forms part of ongoing efforts to reform Sierra Leone’s state broadcaster to better serve national development, democratic governance, and public accountability with funding from the European union through BBC Media Action. The Media Reform Coordinating Group is implementing the project.

Strengthening Media Regulation in Sierra Leone!

The Independent Media Commission (IMC), with support from the European Union through the International IDEA has completed nationwide regional consultations on the review of the IMC Act 2020 and Media Regulations 2022, a key step in aligning media laws with today’s digital realities. This process is part of the implementation of Tripartite Recommendation 76, which calls for:

a. Transparent and inclusive appointment of the IMC Chairman.
b. Stronger enforcement powers for the Commission.
c. Regulation of social/online media in spreading hate speech during elections.
d. Tougher action against hate speech and misinformation; and
e. Better welfare and support for journalists

From Northern, North-West Regions, Eastern, to Southern Regions, and Western Area, stakeholders including media professionals, CSOs, political parties, EMBs, and the security sector, shared bold ideas to modernize Sierra Leone’s media laws. The goal of the engagements is to create a more responsible, digital-ready, and press-friendly legal framework.

THE INDEPENDENT MEDIA COMMISSION (IMC) AND THE SIERRA LEONE ASSOCIATION OF JOURNALISTS (SLAJ) HOLD A POLICY MEETING TODAY AT THE IMC OFFICE.
DATE: 30TH-07-25
TIME: 1:30 PM