PUL President Kanubah Urges Unity, Ethical Standards at Publishers Association Induction

MONROVIA – President of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), Julius Kanubah, has called for stronger collaboration, ethical media practices, and improved working conditions for journalists during the induction ceremony of the new leadership of the Publishers Association of Liberia (PAL), held Friday at the Monrovia City Hall.

In a brief but impactful speech, Kanubah congratulated the newly inducted PAL officers — Mr. Alphonso Toweh, Mr. Bai Sama G. Best, Mrs. Winnie Saywah Jimmy, and Mr. Chester Smith — while also recognizing the democratic conduct of the elections as a reflection of progress within Liberia’s media community.

“Your induction marks an important democratic progress in the Publishers Association,” Kanubah said. “These developments show that the journalism and media community of Liberia is advancing both democratically and developmentally.”

He also paid tribute to outgoing PAL President Othello Garblah, described as “a man of principle,” and acknowledged Ms. Helen Nah Sammie for contesting the presidency — the only contested position in the elections.

Three-Point Call to Action for Publishers

Kanubah used the occasion to outline three critical areas where PAL must work collaboratively with the PUL to improve the media landscape:

1. Upholding Ethical Journalism:
   Kanubah emphasized the need for PAL to help uphold fair, accurate, impartial, and responsible journalism, noting the pivotal role of publishers as editorial and managerial leaders.
2. Improved Working Conditions for Journalists:
   He urged publishers to address the “bread-and-butter” issues affecting journalists, including low salaries, lack of health insurance, and unregulated employment contracts.

“If the quality of journalism is to improve, publishers must work with the PUL to resolve these long-standing challenges,” he said.

• Support for PUL Institutional Development:
  Kanubah highlighted the importance of PAL’s involvement in realizing the construction of the PUL’s national headquarters, envisioned as The Stanton Peabody Media House.
  

He emphasized that this project should be a collective responsibility of all PUL auxiliaries, not just the Union’s leadership.

Strengthening Media Democracy and Solidarity

Reflecting on recent developments in the media sector, including PAL’s transparent elections and the successful relocation of the PUL’s headquarters, Kanubah noted that such progress signals “a maturing of Liberian journalism both institutionally and democratically.”

He also extended appreciation to Mr. Edwin Clarke and Ms. Victoria Wesseh, who represented the PUL on PAL’s elections committee, chaired by Elder Carlton Boah of InProfile Daily.

Call for Unity Within the PUL

In closing, Kanubah issued a unifying appeal to all members of the PUL:

“It is time we put aside our differences and work together for the rights of journalists, free press, freedom of speech and expression, and democracy in Liberia.” He expressed hope that the new PAL leadership, under Mr. Alphonso Toweh, will work in concert with the PUL to advance the cause of media freedom, professionalism, and institutional growth in the country.