Our Work

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IRN's Impact

  • Contributed to the transparency of the Presidential and Local Council Elections.
    IRN acted as a media watchdog over the 2007 Presidential and 2008 local council elections. The constant stream of reliable information collected from IRN reporters all over the country and broadcasted nationally helped people understand the election process and accept the results.

  • Promoted citizens’ access to accurate, independent information.
    Through solid, impartial news and information reporting on issues affecting all parts of the country, IRN has given people the knowledge they need to reach informed opinions.

  • Increased participation in the political process and discussions around contemporary issues, particularly of women.
    IRN has provided a platform for communities to engage in the political and social issues of the country, and understand how to address them in their own localities. Women are taking more active roles in government and their voices are better represented on air and in communities.

  • Enhanced the professionalization the media sector.
    As one of the most trusted media sources in Sierra Leone, IRN is setting high standards for journalism, while strengthening the member stations' capacity to serve the public. Its contributing to the creation of quality-led, respected community radio.

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Past and Present Activities

Radio Programming

Paliment Bol At is an issue-based radio program strengthens the relationship between Members of Parliament (MPs) and their constituencies. It features issues being debated both in parliament and in local communities and seeks to enhance dialogue between MPs and their communities. It manages the expectations of the electorate by informing them about the roles and responsibilities of Parliament.

IRN National News is a cooperatively-produced, community-oriented national news program that broadcasts local news from all over the country. The program helps to solidify the community radio sector, improve the watchdog role of the media and inform Sierra Leoneans on what's going on in other parts of the country.

IRN Defies Political Intimidation (January 2009)

As a defender of free speech, IRN acts as a source of strength and support when individual partnering stations are targets of political intimidation and violence. In response to an attack on Radio Wanjei and an assault on a journalist of the same station by political party supporters, IRN called a meeting with all parties involved to discuss the occurrences. IRN facilitated a resolution in which parties agreed to respect the independence of the radio.

Power to the People: Local Election Impact (July 2008)

IRN increased the transparency of the 2008 local council election and provided an opportunity for women and young people to participate in the political process. IRN engaged its membership in credible electoral reporting, training over 250 staff to observe and report on the election. A post-election survey revealed that IRN was the most common source of election information in 8 of Sierra Leone’s 14 districts, and respondents believed IRN to be credible, trustworthy, and valuable for reducing violence in the community. This project empowered women by mobilizing female producers and journalists linked with women's solidarity movements and increasing the profile of female candidates and listeners’ acceptance of them throughout most of the country.

Keeping the Peace: Presidential and Parliamentary Elections (August 2007)

IRN is credited by the ECOWAS Observer Mission, National Election Commission, and Independent Media Commission for the vital role it played in increasing transparency and reducing the potential for violence of the 2007 elections. The network built the capacity of individual stations and strengthened the network as a powerful election coverage team, training over 400 male and female reporters, journalists and observers. Members maintain that the professional coverage and programming IRN provided made a huge impact on society, as it was the most trusted media source in Sierra Leone.

This effort safeguarded the elections by reducing tensions and political violence. In the potentially volatile run-off election, IRN dissipated rumors by inviting leading political analysts and electoral experts on air to share credible information with the public. The number of voided ballots was reduced by educating voters on proper voting procedures. IRN also supported stability in the transitional period by hosting radio shows in various violence-prone communities.

Building a Radio Future (February 2006)

Developing Radio Partners created the plan to develop Sierra Leone's first national public radio service. The plan calls for the professional development of the community stations, a structure to prompt sustainability and the establishment of what is now the Independent Radio Network. The report acknowledges the incredible potential of independent community radio in Sierra Leone and makes recommendations for its development.