MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) has distanced itself from the Liberia Broadcast Media Awards, organized by a group identified as Liberia Broadcasters Association.

In an official statement, the UL said,” The group lacks the mandate and legitimacy to confer awards upon broadcast journalists and media institutions in Liberia”.

The PUL President, Julius Kanubah, described the move as irregular and misleading to the public and media community.

Kanubah also condemned the organizers, led by Rickey Jaeploe, for introducing a paid voting scheme via the TipMe platform, which effectively commercializes the awards process.

He warned that such a scheme constitutes gambling fraud and will be subject to a formal investigation.

The PUL President reaffirmed the Union’s commitment to upholding journalistic integrity and warned that any attempts to undermine the Union or commercialize journalistic recognition will be met with decisive action