By Mackie M. Jalloh
Journalists across Sierra Leone continue to work under precarious and often degrading conditions that threaten not only their personal welfare but also the independence and credibility of the media sector, according to a new study released by the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG).
The study paints a troubling picture of a profession grappling with low and irregular pay, limited access to social security benefits, and unsafe working environments, despite the critical role journalists play in sustaining democracy, accountability, and public discourse. MRCG warns that unless these systemic challenges are addressed, media freedom and professional integrity in Sierra Leone will remain at serious risk.
Covering radio, television, print, and online media institutions, the research examined journalists’ conditions of service, with particular focus on salary structures, compliance with statutory obligations, workplace safety, and practitioners’ awareness of legal and regulatory frameworks governing the media. The findings suggest that many journalists operate in a climate of economic insecurity that leaves them vulnerable to exploitation, pressure, and ethical compromise.
To gather data, researchers adopted a mixed-methods approach, combining an online questionnaire with semi-structured interviews involving media owners, editors, and heads of media organizations. The survey received responses from 112 journalists—approximately 7.9 percent of the country’s estimated media workforce—drawn from all regions of Sierra Leone. Respondents included reporters, producers, editors, presenters, and media managers, offering a broad cross-section of experiences within the industry.
One of the most striking findings of the study relates to remuneration. Many journalists reported earning salaries that fall far below the national cost of living, with some receiving irregular or delayed payments. Freelancers and contract staff were found to be particularly exposed, often working without written contracts, job security, or clear terms of engagement.
According to MRCG, such financial instability undermines journalists’ ability to work independently and ethically. Poor pay, the study notes, increases the risk of “brown envelope journalism,” where reporters may feel pressured to accept inducements to survive. This not only erodes public trust in the media but also weakens the sector’s role as a watchdog over power.
Beyond salaries, the study highlights widespread non-compliance with statutory obligations by media institutions. Many employers reportedly fail to register journalists with the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT), leaving workers without pensions, insurance coverage, or protection in cases of injury, illness, or death. In some cases, journalists were unaware of their rights to social security benefits or unsure whether their employers were making required contributions.
Workplace safety also emerged as a major concern. Journalists interviewed described operating in environments lacking basic safety measures, equipment, or insurance—especially those covering elections, protests, crime, or public health emergencies. Female journalists, in particular, reported facing additional risks, including harassment and intimidation, both in newsrooms and while on assignment.
The study further revealed gaps in journalists’ knowledge of key legal frameworks, including labor laws and media regulations designed to protect their rights. MRCG noted that limited awareness leaves journalists ill-equipped to demand fair treatment or seek redress when their rights are violated.
Media owners and managers interviewed acknowledged many of these challenges but cited financial constraints, declining advertising revenues, and limited state support as contributing factors. However, MRCG stressed that economic difficulties cannot justify persistent violations of labor standards and professional ethics.
In its recommendations, the organization called for urgent reforms to improve journalists’ welfare, including the enforcement of minimum wage standards, mandatory NASSIT compliance, safer working conditions, and regular capacity-building on labor and media laws. It also urged the government, media owners, civil society, and development partners to recognize that journalists’ welfare is directly linked to media freedom and democratic governance.
The study concludes that strengthening the working conditions of journalists is not merely a labor issue, but a national priority. Without dignified pay, social protection, and safe workplaces, MRCG warns, journalists will continue to operate under pressure, compromising the quality, independence, and credibility of the media in Sierra Leone.
As the country continues its democratic journey, the report serves as a sobering reminder that a free and responsible press cannot thrive where journalists themselves are forced to work in insecurity and neglect.
