PAYNESVILLE CITY, LIBERIA-President Joseph Boakai has described the dedication of the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS) Broadcast Complex as a new era in public communication and national development.
President Boakai said,” The dedicated facilities will play a significant role in strengthening the voices of citizens across the country, and beyond, without discrimination”.
The Liberian Chief Executive also noted that the initiative aligns with his administration’s vision of bringing the Government of Liberia closer to the people.
President Boakai recommitted the government to building Liberia where information empowers, and where truth strengthens democracy.
The President hailed the Chinese Government for contributing immensely to Liberia’s development, especially through the construction of the state-of-the-art broadcast complex.
He described such a partnership as pivotal to transforming Liberia’s Communication Sector.
Meanwhile, President Boakai has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to transforming the Liberia Broadcasting System into a true public service broadcaster, while upholding press freedom and access to information.
Speaking during the dedication of the new broadcast complex, President Boakai said,” The decision to name the facility in honor of the late LBS Journalist, Charles Gbeyon, demonstrates the country remains informed, through credible and professional public broadcasting services”.
He also paid tribute to journalists and media practitioners who previously served at the State Broadcaster, acknowledging their sacrifices and contributions to Liberia’s media landscape over the years.
The President further expressed appreciation to the government of the People’s Republic of China for financing the project, describing the support as significant.
He commended the Board of Directors and Management of the Liberia Broadcasting System, including the Director General, Eugene Fahngon, for their leadership and commitment in ensuring the successful completion of the project.
At the same time, Chinese Ambassador to Liberia, Yin Chengwu, has underscored that the dedication of the newly constructed LBS Broadcast Complex signifies a renewed commitment to strengthening the bonds between China and Liberia.
Ambassador Yin recognized that information in modernization is a bridge that connects people, shares cultures, and fosters understanding for a nation to tell its own story.
The Chinese Envoy eluded that the project is designed to be more than just an office for studio complexes, but is envisioned as a nerve center for creativity, a hub for accurate information, and a platform for voices to be heard.
Ambassador Yin further noted that the project marks the Chinese Government’s commitment to supporting Liberia in building its own narrative and strengthening its media capacity.
The Chinese expressed optimism and hope that the facility will enable LBS to reach broader audiences, improve the quality and reliability of programming, and better serve the information needs of the Liberian people.
Ambassador Yin Chengwu noted that China will continue to provide on-site technical support to LBS.
For his part, the Director General of LBS, Eugene Fahngon, has described the newly dedicated broadcast complex as a symbol of resilience and hard work.
Director Fahngon said,” The multi-media complex belongs to the people of Liberia, and will serve as a platform to enhance public information across the country.
He noted that the ongoing transformation of the State Broadcaster aims to promote the government’s programs and policies through effective broadcasting and public engagement.
Meanwhile, the LBS Director General has thanked the People’s Republic of China for the construction of the facility, and praised President Joseph Boakai for the confidence reposed in him to lead the institution.
At the same time, Fahngon has called for increased budgetary support to the institution.
According to him, increased support to the State Broadcaster will help enhance its operations and address pressing challenges confronting the System.
Fahngon, however, noted that despite the challenges, LBS has improved its coverage in several parts of the country in line with President Boakai’s vision.
He named the installation of a ten-thousand-Megawatt transmitter, and the building of two new substations, among others, as some achievements.
The LBS Director also disclosed that the LBS workforce has increased from one hundred and nineteen to one hundred fifty-five employees.
For their part, the Board of Directors of the Liberia Broadcasting System is calling on the Law Reform Commission to draft a bill to redefine the role of the State Broadcaster.
The Board wants the bill drafted and submitted to the 55th National Legislature this year, to allow LBS to achieve its full potential.
The Co-Chair of the Board, Madam Olivia Shannon, wants the bill drafted in collaboration with the LBS Board, the Office of the President, and the Governance Commission.
She noted that the bill, when enacted, will repeal the Liberia Broadcasting System’s PRC Decree, restricting the mandate of the State Broadcaster.
Also speaking, the Senate Committee Chair on Information and Broadcasting, Samuel Kogar, has called for unity among members of the Management Team and staff of LBS.
Senator Kogar said,” In-house rift has the propensity to undermine progress, and the effectiveness of any institutions, and LBS is no exception”.
He noted that embracing unity and professionalism will promote growth, efficiency, and productivity at the State Broadcaster.
The Chairman also craved a budgetary increment during the budget formulation to ensure the smooth operation s of the entity.
The Nimba County Senator said,” The National Broadcaster deserves more budgetary support, as it is under the obligation to educate and provide quality information to the public”.
Still, the Chairman of the House’s Committee on Information and Broadcasting, Emmanuel Dahn, is calling on the Chinese Government to support the solarization of LBS.
The appeal comes as the government continues to strengthen national broadcasting services and reduce dependence on regular power supply.
According to Representative Dahn, providing solar power for LBS would ensure the uninterrupted operations of the State Broadcaster and improve the dissemination of information across the country.
He emphasized that reliable electricity remains one of the major challenges affecting media institutions and public communication services in Liberia, such as the Liberia Broadcasting System in Paynesville City.
For his part, the LBS Deputy Director General for Technical Services, Bortfeldt Lloyd, says the newly constructed China-aid Broadcast Complex is fully equipped and up to date for modern broadcasting.
Deputy Director General Lloyd said,” The Complex comprises musical recording studios that musicians can leverage to record their songs”.
Giving an overview of the facility, Lloyd named seven modern studios, two digital production and recording cubicles, a matrix multiple function control room, as well as a high-tech server system, among others.
The Deputy LBS Director General also used the occasion to appeal to the Chinese Government to provide hands-on training for technicians and engineers to enable them to adequately utilize the new facility.
He lauded President Boakai and the Chinese Government for ensuring sustained broadcasting at LBS.
Meanwhile, the family of the late Liberian Journalist, Charles Gbenyon, has described the new LBS Broadcast Complex as an enduring commitment to honest storytelling.
Children of the late Journalist said the Complex is a monument that signifies the ideals of their father and the standards he upheld.
They expressed optimism that those who will pass through the walls of LBS will be inspired by his example and remain steadfast in the pursuit of truth, integrity, and excellence.