(May 19, 2025): Smile FM in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County has resumed broadcast services following two days of mediation by the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) and the Association of Liberia Community Radio Station (ALICOR).
The mediation from 18-19 May 2025 led to the amicable and successful resolution of the disputes over the Board of Advisors and the position of Station Manager of Smile FM, a community radio station.
The station was shutdown on May 5, 2025 after violent confrontations involving a group of Grand Gedeh citizens for and against the two competing Boards and two Station Managers, each in possession of separate Constitution and By-Laws of Smile FM.
In resolving the disputes, the PUL and ALICOR negotiated the dissolution of all contending Boards, leading to the subsequent transparent reconstitution of the Board of Advisors by the nine recognized institutions making up the Board.
Also, an Acting Station Manager, Anthony Flahn, was appointed to manage Smile FM for three months, following which a Station Manager proper would be installed after a transparent and credible recruitment by the newly reconstituted Board.
The new Board of Advisors was also tasked to review and reconcile the two Constitutions and By-Laws of Smile FM, ensuring a unified and credible Constitution is adopted, taking into consideration best practices.
The PUL and ALICOR mediation team included Mr. Julius Kanubah, President, PUL; Mr. Teah Doegmah, Chairman, Board of Advisors, ALICOR; Mr. Lawrence Tokpah, Vice President for Operations, ALICOR; and Ms. Christina Sonpon, Station Manager, Radio Kakata in Margibi County.
The mediation trip by the PUL and ALICOR was undertaken jointly with Representative Jeremiah Sokan of District Number One, where Smile FM is located.
The PUL and ALICOR expressed thanks and appreciation to Representative Sokan, Superintendent Alex Grant, all current and former officials and citizens of Grand Gedeh County who approached the PUL and ALICOR to lead the mediation because of the independence and credibility of both institutions.
PUL President Julius Kanubah and ALICOR Board Chair Teah Doegmah emphasized during the mediation that Smile FM is a community radio station and there must be no political interference in its operations and management.
Meanwhile, PUL and ALICOR commended journalist Solo Uriah Lewis and Madam Jesadeh Barzon, for their years of services as Station Manager and Board Chair of Smile FM respectively, praising them for fully cooperating and supporting the mediation.
Smile FM can now smile again, broadcasting contents in the interest of the community.
Signed:
Julius Kanubah
President/PUL
Please see attached copy of Press Statement
