About Us

OUR HISTORY

Sierra Leone’s past is marked by political violence, an overly centralized government and a 10-year civil war that has devastated the country. As a result, the country remains behind in the development of a truly independent media sector – an important obstacle in achieving democracy. For years, marginalized groups such as women, youth and those in rural communities have been denied access to transparent, accurate information, and unable to play an active role in the country’s national decision-making process.The solution to these problems is only possible with information. In a country of extreme poverty, limited electricity and a literacy rate of only 31 per cent, radio is the preferred communication channel for most of the population. In 2002, the Independent Radio Network was launched in response to this demand. Since then, IRN has grown to include 25 community radio stations and a group of dedicated and supportive global partners. It has provided a platform for the people of Sierra Leone to interact with their government and bring their concerns to the political agenda. It has increased the capacity of community stations and provided momentum for social and political change.CODE OF CONDUCT

IRN members meet to talk about election coverage Overtime, these efforts have strengthened solidarity among partnering stations and enhanced the radio landscape’s peace building capabilities.IRN radio stations and our partnering organizations are committed to the highest level of professionalism and accountability. All IRN members and staff work according to a code of conduct established by our ethics committee, which is composed of the top representatives from various community stations and our executive board.Our stations and reporters follow these guidelines diligently, in reflection of IRN’s principles and standards of practice. These values include the defense of a free press and the protection of our network from political intimidation or interference. As an active member of Sierra Leone’s media, all IRN’s activities are held accountable to the Independent Media Commission

THE EXECUTIVE BOARD

IRN Coordinator: Ransford Wright is the Coordinator for IRN in Sierra Leone. Also the Chief Executive Officer of the Believer’s Broadcast Network, he has worked in the media sector for 15 years. He currently oversees all IRN activities and coalition communication, and specializes in training, radio management and production.

Country Director, Search for Common Ground: Ambrose James has been working in social development and sustainable peace in Sierra Leone for more than 10 years. He has held positions with the Sierra Leone Youth Empowerment Organization, Action Aid and Conciliation Resources.

Executive Director, Media Foundation for Peace and Development: Andrew Kromah is a private radio station manager in Sierra Leone and currently runs KISS-FM in Bo, and Sky-FM in Freetown. He is both an acclaimed public service broadcaster and the founder of the Media Foundation for Peace and Development.

Africa Director, Search for Common Ground: Frances Fortune has over 20 years of experience working in peacebuilding, community outreach, education and organizationmanagement in Africa. She currently oversees operations, funding and strategic planning for Search for Common Ground’s nine country programs in Africa.

President, The Foundation for West Africa: Topher Hamblett served in the Peace Corps in Sierra Leone for two years in addition to his work for a number of other non-profit boards. He is both president and founder of The Foundation for West Africa. THE PRODUCTION CREW

John Campbelland Michael Jamiru are IRN’s principal producers and are responsible for both Parliament Bol Hat and IRN National News. IRN also relies on a fantastic team of volunteers and reporters from member stations, who work around the clock to guarantee the quality and success of our year-round activities. Special thanks also go out to IRN’s partnering organizations, who have supported the network in their mentorship, funding and development support. For details, please see the links under the tab entitled, “Our Partners.” IRN MEMBER STATIONS

NO.	NAME OF STATION	LOCATION
1.	Radio Mankneh	MAKENI
2.	Radio Maria	MAKENI
3.	Radio Kolenten	KAMBIA
4.	Radio Bintumani	KABALA
5.	Radio Gbafth	MILE 91
6.	Radio Bankasoka	PORT LOKO
7.	Radio Kunike	MAKALI
8.	Radio Numbara	BUMBUNA
9.	Radio Tombo	TOMBO
10.	Choice FM	LUNGI
11.	Eastern Radio	KENEMA
12.	Eastern Radio	KONO
13.	Radio Moa	KAILAHUN
14.	Radio New Song	BO
15.	Kiss Fm	BO
16.	Radio Wanjei	PUJEHUN
17.	Radio Bontico	BONTHE
18.	MODCAR	MOYAMBA
19.	Voice Of Women	MATTRU JONG
20.	BBN	FREETOWN
21.	Radio Democracy	FREETOWN
22.	Skyy Radio	FREETOWN
23.	Premier Tok Radio	FREETOWN
24	Kalleone Radio	FREETOWN
25	Radio Mount Aureol	FREETOWN

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