By Nathan N. Mulbah
On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, the Liberian Government, under the stewardship of His Excellency President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, tendered the inaugural Presidential Media Dinner of this administration as a gesture of appreciation, of partnership and of tremendous responsibilities that the Liberian media and the Liberian government share in shaping the political destiny of the Republic of Liberia.
In his official remarks during the auspicious occasion, President Boakai said, “I want to commend you, the Liberian media community; for all that you have done to nurture growth of our democracy and the advancement of our course”. The Liberian leader also used the occasion to extol Liberian media practitioners for their resilience, vigilance and commitment to truth telling during the course of his leadership so far.
Indeed, the gathering brought together avalanche of journalists from all shade of the Liberian media landscape including print and broadcast journalists, international correspondents, bloggers, internet platform presenters, media developers, community radio presenters, mass communication lecturers and many people associated with the production of media contents for democratic advancement in the Republic of Liberia.
In effectuating the effective functionality of the Liberian society, Chapter I, Article I of the 1986 Liberian Constitution states that: “ All power is inherent in the people. All free governments are instituted by their authority and for their benefit and they have the right to alter and reform the same when their safety and happiness so require. In order to ensure democratic government which responds to the wishes of the governed, the people shall have the right at such period in such manner as provided for under the Constitution, to cause their public servants to leave office and to fill vacancies by regular elections and appointment”.
In delineating the core functions and responsibilities of the governance structure of the society, the 1986 Constitution Chapter V provides for the creation of a national Legislature; Chapter VI provides for the creation of the Executive branch while Chapter VII provides for the creation of the Judiciary branch of government.
Conspicuously absence from the configuration of the three political realms is the media. However, the role of the media in the political advancement of the motherland cannot be overemphasized by any account.
Overtime, in the political setting of the Republic of Liberia, the press, otherwise refer to as the media has been playing very pivotal role in the democratic building project of the country much to the admiration of the public thus earning the name the watch dog of the society.
We must admit that there have been instances when some segments of the press have unfortunately unprofessionally overstepped their bounds and dangerously transgress in the discharge of their duties.
At the media dinner, Mr. President said he was proud to highlight that Liberia is setting an example across Africa in championing press freedom
as Liberia is steadfast in its support of the Table Mountain Declaration, which serves not merely as a written commitment, but as a living pledge to defend journalists’ rights and guarantee the free exchange of information in our community.
Euphemistically, the press or media, the world over, is being honorably considered as the ‘Fourth Estate’ of the political realm. Meaning that the press is the third institution following after the Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary as provided for in the 1986 Liberian Constitution, thus, earning the name, “The Fourth Estate” of the Political Realm.
Historically, the mass media has evolved from the earliest forms of communication, such as speech and writing to the groundbreaking invention of the printing press and the rapid development of modern digital media. The media has since play a catalyst role in societal change.
Though in today’s political power play, the media is fondly called the ‘Fourth Estate’, the term ‘Fourth Estate’ refers to the press and news media, highlighting their role in influencing politics beyond just reporting news. The phrase originates from the traditional European concept of the three estates of the realm: the clergy, nobility, and commoners.
However, the media was later recognized as an unofficial fourth power due to its ability to shape public opinion and hold governments accountable.
The term is often attributed to Edmund Burke, who may have used it in a British parliamentary debate in 1771 regarding press reporting on the House of Commons.
Nevertheless, historian Thomas Carlyle later popularized the phrase in his writings. Over time, the media’s watchdog role in democratic societies solidified its reputation as the Fourth Estate, ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.
In his presentation, Mr. President asserted that his administration recommits to upholding the Abdullah Kamara Abdullah Act… a law that stands as a monument to press freedom and the memory of one of Liberia’s most courageous media pioneer in appreciation of the role the media play as the Fourth Estate of the neo-political realm.
‘Yours Truly’ is certainly enthused that the Liberian leader also reaffirmed a commitment that under his leadership, Liberia will have no political prisoners and no press suppression. From the look of things, there is no political prisoner of prisoners of conscience in Liberia as we write.
In a summary rendition during the dinner, the Minister of Information Cultural Affairs and Tourism, Jerolinmek Piah said the Presidential Media Dinner draws from a tradition first introduced by the late President William V. S. Tubman in the 1960s and is being continued today to solidify the relationship between the media and the national government.
Breaking bread and sharing meal together is a favorite past time that has the potential of bringing people and institutions closer together for the good of their common patrimony and cause.
The April 2025 inaugural Presidential Dinner organized by the Government of Liberia for the Liberian media is a good initiative and a beacon of hope for the development of democracy in Liberia. It is our expectation that core of this event will be held with specific areas to be covered and discussed during an eat and talk session. Thanks Mr. President for the meal and privileged interaction with the press.
