MONROVIA, October 5, 2010: The signing of the Freedom of Information Act by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf signals greater opportunities for Liberian people to participate in the country's governance.

With assumption of the right to public information, ordinary Liberian citizens and residents are now empowered by access to publicly held information that could contribute to their development and the alleviation of poverty within their communities.

The freedom of information law also strengthens the government's professed fight against corruption, by providing opportunities for greater transparency and accountability.
Coming some six years since the formation of the Liberia Media Law and Policy Reform Working Group, the new law is a wonderful and much welcomed outcome that is expected to dramatically change the landscape for media development in Liberia .

Legal demands for journalists to access publicly held information will now enhance professionalism, and strengthen opportunities for journalists to report on issues that affect their communities.

The Center for Media Studies and Peace Building (CEMESP), in its role as coordinator of the Liberia Media Law and Policy Reform Working Group, the Freedom of Expression coalition and the Liberia consortium on FIO is grateful to many groups for heir collaboration and solidarity along the way for this success, but would especially like to single out OSIWA, UNESCO, IMS, Carter Center, IFEX, Media Rights Agenda, and Article 19.

"This is the first major step on a trip of many miles," CEMESP noted.

Our next plan is to ensure a successful implementation of the FOI law and to ensure that an independent broadcast regulator and the transformation of the LBS into a public service broadcaster is accomplished.

Signed:______________________
Malcolm Joseph
Executive Director/CEMESP