About IRN
The IRN Team
Why IRN?
Mission Statement
Code of Conduct
Sierra Leone’s past is marked by political violence, an overly centralized government, and a ten year civil war that devastated the country. One of the causes of the war that remains an obstacle to its democratic development is the lack of a truly independent media sector. The media sector is traditionally run by a few dominant elites in the country's capital. Marginalized groups such as women, youth and those living in rural areas have been denied the right to access accurate, independent information and participate in the country's national decision-making processes.
The solution to these problems is only possible with information. In a country of extreme poverty, limited electricity and only 31% literacy, radio is the preferred channel for information and communication for up to 90% of the population. Radio is generally affordable, far-reaching, and can be quickly produced. It is an intimate medium, connecting human voice to public ears and extending the traditional social networking predominant in Sierra Leone. When properly motivated and managed, radio creates linkages in communities and supports the public's enthusiasm for social and political change.
Community radio in particular has a committed listening audience, as people prefer to listen to stations with familiar voices that report local news in their own languages. Local radio stations have shown how they can provide a platform from which people can solve their own problems, put the people in touch with local government and celebrate their local culture. IRN has proven that community radio is powerful forum for discussion on national issues and community events, and can provide momentum for the development and growth of the nation.
IRN's mission is to create a national information network that drives positive social change in Sierra Leone.
In pursuit of this mission, IRN’s strategy is to enhance media pluralism by promoting the right to communicate, ability to access information, and acceptance of diverse opinions, as well as expand and professionalize the media sector by supporting the capacity development of media stakeholders.
The success of IRN’s work around elections has established it as one of Sierra Leone’ most credible and trustworthy sources of information. IRN continuously meets its objectives to:
- Promote every Sierra Leonean's right to access information, freedom of speech and tolerance for all views
- Increase participation in national and community issues, particularly among marginalized groups
- Professionalize the media sector and build solidarity among community radio stations around issues
- Create transparency in the election process
In support of ethical reporting and a high level of professionalism, IRN radio stations and members from partnering organizations have established an ethics committee. This committee created a code of conduct that reflects the network’s principles and standards of practice. Stations follow these guidelines to ensure ethical reporting practices and as the basis for determining proper responses to political interference. IRN supports the membership's commitment to the code through training, mentoring, and monitoring and evaluating projects.
To view IRN’s Code of Conduct, please click here.