Zorzor, Liberia—In a region where access to media opportunities is often limited, one young journalist is steadily redefining what is possible through determination, self-development, and a commitment to telling underreported stories.
Peter Kollie, now Program Director at Alternative Youth Radio in Lofa County, began his journey into journalism in October 2022 without any formal training or prior experience in the field. Starting as a volunteer, he entered the profession with little more than curiosity and a willingness to learn.
Within a year, his dedication earned him a promotion to Head of Assets, marking the beginning of his steady rise within the station. During this period, Kollie invested in professional growth, participating in multiple training programs across Liberia. These included election reporting training in Nimba County and radio production training in Bong County under CEMESP, as well as contributing as a correspondent for the ALICOR radio program.
His career trajectory took a further step forward after joining the Rural Reporters News Network, where he attended advanced journalism training in Monrovia. The experience, he says, played a key role in sharpening his skills and building his confidence as a rural reporter.
Kollie has since focused his reporting on rural communities in Zorzor and Salayea Districts, producing stories that highlight development challenges, community initiatives, and local voices often absent from mainstream discourse. His work reflects a growing emphasis on solutions-based journalism and community-centered reporting.
In April 2026, Kollie joined journalists from around the world at the HWPL International Workshop on Peace Journalism, where discussions centered on the role of media in promoting peace and addressing news avoidance. His participation signals an emerging presence on the global stage and highlights the increasing relevance of rural journalists in international conversations.
Now serving as Program Director, Kollie leads content development at Alternative Youth Radio while hosting programmes such as Critical Talk Show and The Sports Arena. Beyond broadcasting, he also heads the station’s printing department and mentors young volunteers, contributing to the development of future media practitioners.
A graduate of Zorzor Christian Academy High School, Kollie holds a C Certificate in Education—an academic background that complements his communication skills and passion for community engagement.
As Liberia’s media landscape continues to evolve, Kollie’s journey underscores the importance of persistence, mentorship, and access to training. From a volunteer with no experience to a media leader engaging in global dialogue, his story reflects both personal ambition and the broader potential of grassroots journalism.
