Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County – Smile FM, a vital community radio station in Grand Gedeh County, has resumed broadcasting following a successful two-day mediation effort led by the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) and the Association of Liberia Community Radio Stations (ALICOR). The station, which had been off-air since May 5, 2025, due to persistent governance and leadership disputes, recommenced operations after the May 18-19, 2025, intervention.
The shutdown of Smile FM was triggered by violent confrontations between rival citizen groups vying for control of the station’s Board of Advisors and the Station Manager position. These factions had reportedly been operating under separate constitutions and bylaws, leading to a protracted stalemate.
A Unified Path Forward
PUL President Julius Kanubah emphasized the non-political role of journalists, stating, “Journalists are not politicians. Our role is to serve the public.” He commended the ALICOR team for their dedication to protecting the interests of community radio members.
The mediation resulted in the dissolution of all contending boards, paving the way for a unified and transparent reconstitution of the station’s Board of Advisors. This newly formed board will comprise representatives from nine recognized institutions and will be tasked with merging the competing constitutions into a single, credible framework that aligns with best practices in community radio management.
In the interim, Anthony Flahn has been appointed as Acting Station Manager for a three-month transitional period. During this time, the new board will conduct a transparent recruitment process to select a permanent Station Manager.
Collaborative Efforts for Stability
The joint PUL and ALICOR mediation team included Julius Kanubah (PUL President), Teah Doegmah (ALICOR Board of Advisors Chairman), Lawrence Tokpah (ALICOR Vice President for Operations), and Christina Sonpon (Station Manager of Radio Kakata). They were joined by Representative Jeremiah Sokan of District Number One, where Smile FM is located, demonstrating a united front to restore stability and credibility to the station.
The leadership of PUL and ALICOR extended their gratitude to Representative Sokan, Grand Gedeh County Superintendent Alex Grant, and other officials and citizens for their support in resolving the crisis. Both organizations underscored the importance of maintaining Smile FM’s independence as a community radio station, free from political influence. They also commended former Station Manager Solo Uriah Lewis and former Board Chair Madam Jesadeh Barzon for their years of service and full cooperation during the mediation.
With its return to the airwaves, Smile FM is once again ready to serve the people of Grand Gedeh, providing reliable news and community-centered programming.