The index case of COVID-19 in Sierra Leone was announced by President Maada Bio on the 31 March 2020. Since the announcement of that first case, the government has put in place a number of measures to mitigate the spread of the virus in the country. Some of the measures introduced have affected economic activities and by extension the work of media institutions. Some of the effects on the media are self-evident, others are insidious, some are short-term, and others are far-reaching.
This report documents the state and fate of the media in Sierra Leone under COVID-19. It is hoped that, the report will provide empirical information and insights to inform and guide stakeholders who may initiate media sector support interventions at national or regional levels.
The report focuses on five factors that could ultimately impinge on the survival and sustainability of media institutions, journalism professional practice, and freedom of expression in the region. These are: (1) Availability & Accessibility of COVID-19 Information, (2) Legal and Policy Context, (3) Safety of Journalists, (4) Economic Sustainability and (5) Media support.
Read the full report here.
