The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) has unequivocally distanced itself from the so-called “Liberia Broadcast Media Awards” organized by a group identifying itself as the Liberia Broadcasters Association. The PUL asserts that this group lacks the mandate and legitimacy to confer awards upon broadcast journalists and media institutions in Liberia.
In an official statement, the Union emphasized that the authority to recognize excellence in journalism and media belongs exclusively to the PUL. As Liberia’s legitimate, independent, and credible representative body for journalists and media institutions, the PUL alone has the integrity and institutional framework to evaluate and honor outstanding achievements in the field.
The PUL expressed concern over the attempt by the self-styled Liberia Broadcasters Association – a group neither recognized nor accredited as an auxiliary of the Union – to stage an awards event outside the Union’s established annual awards ceremony. The Union characterized this move as both irregular and misleading to the public and media community.
Furthermore, the PUL condemned the organizers, led by Rickey Jaeploe (also known as AsaBoy), for introducing a paid voting scheme via the TipMe platform, which effectively commercializes the awards process. The Union warned that such a scheme, in which monetary contributions can influence award outcomes, constitutes gambling fraud and will be subject to a formal investigation.
Journalists and media institutions are strongly advised to refrain from participating in or attending the unauthorized awards ceremony. The PUL cautioned that this event lacks merit and primarily serves as a commercial enterprise to benefit its organizers.
The Press Union further warned that, henceforth, no individual journalist or media-related organization will be permitted to issue awards independently of the Union’s official awards program. Such actions undermine the standards and collective integrity of the Liberian media landscape.
The Union also recalled that between April and May of this year, Mr. Jaeploe attempted to organize a separate World Press Freedom Day celebration, with the aim of soliciting sponsorships independently despite being advised to collaborate with the Union’s relevant committee.
His decision to attempt to proceed unilaterally, disregarding official channels, was noted as part of a broader pattern of actions that threaten the cohesion and credibility of the Liberian journalistic community.
The PUL reaffirmed its commitment to upholding journalistic integrity. It warned that any further attempts to undermine the Union or commercialize journalistic recognition will be met with decisive action in accordance with the Union’s Constitution and By-laws.
