ABOUT IRN

OUR BACKGROUND

The Independent Radio Network (IRN) is a membership network of 50 community and private radio stations operating across Sierra Leone’s 16 electoral districts that collaborate to nationally broadcast trustworthy, impartial news and issue-based radio programs. IRN is the only consortium of independent radio stations in the country with such massive coverage and
membership. The network provides coverage of important and topical issues and activities implemented by government, International Partners and Non-State Actors. Over the years, IRN has proven to be a reliable and trust worthy channel of communication particularly through its independent coverage of State elections since 2002 providing real-time information on polling activities and exit polls across the country. As a result of IRN’s performance, the citizenry depends on the network for credible information and public education.

OUR

VISION

A Sierra Leone of well-informed citizenry.

OUR

MISSION

To provide credible information for a safe and empowered society.

OUR

OPERATIONAL AREAS

Nationwide.

OUR PROGRAMME STRATEGIES

Our Programe Strategies include promoting social change through communication and strengthening the cultural, civic and social fabric of Sierra Leone. We use our media platform to empower citizens to be able to exercise their rights and make informed decisions in elections processes. Through advocacy and capacity building communities are energized. IRN has a credible voice and the organizational capacity to reach the nation. It provided access to timely, balanced, objective and credible information for the electorate for the past 4 national elections. Evaluations show evidence of the credibility of the IRN brand. The IRN can help to prepare the public through sustained public education for participation, knowledge and
information about the key issues, access to discussion and analysis of those issues in the language that people best understand. The IRN brings to the media landscape strategic benefits and unique opportunities to radio stations that are vulnerable to commercial and political influences in the small communities where they operate. The IRN brand of radio programming has ushered a positive development in the media landscape of Sierra Leone and one that communities rely on to bring their voices to the fore in a non-partisan manner. The added value and dividends accruing to the members on
account of their membership in the networks is expressed as follows:

  • Networking and alliance building – this is a positive aspect providing synergy and allows a small radio station to have national appeal to its audience bringing events and processes from across the country to communities. Programming on this network reaches large populations in all regions. The contribution of inputs into the network programming extends the reach of each station.
  • Protection in joint programming – in some places community stations feel vulnerable to the political ideologies and being a member of the IRN helps to protect their broadcasters and reporters who are contributing stories and narratives to a national network.

Our Partners