Center for Media Studies and Peace Building

27/05/2024

Boosting Investigative Journalism in Liberia!

Recently, CEMESP and Internews, in collaboration with the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), held an important two-day training for investigative journalists. This initiative brought together 16 dedicated reporters from the Liberia Investigative Journalists Network.

Participants gained essential skills and knowledge to effectively investigate and report on corruption cases, empowering them to play a crucial role in promoting transparency and accountability in Liberia.

27/05/2024

Last week, we hosted in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County a transformative Digital Skills Training Workshop with the Ghana based Media Foundation for West Africa(MFWA). The training empowered 50 female community radio journalists from Grand Bassa, Margibi, and Rivercess Counties with essential digital and social media management skills.

This event, supported by the Embassy of the Netherlands in Ghana, marks a key step towards digital inclusion and empowerment of women. Special thanks to our great facilitators and Ms. Vivian Affoah- MFWA Program Manager for her inspiring words: "This is just the beginning."

Together, we are building a digitally inclusive society! 🌐✨

11/05/2024

🎙️📻 The Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP) is concluding a three-day hands-on training for radio journalists. Led by seasoned journalist Frank Sainworla, the training brings together 25 radio reporters from the north, central, and southeastern regions with a focus on strengthening credible and relevant content production at the community level. The aim is to empower radio reporters and presenters in generating, processing, and producing radio programs and news content. Special thanks to USAID/Liberia Media Activity, implemented by Internews and local partners, for their support in making this training possible.

Here's to fostering quality journalism and empowering local voices!
📰👏

03/05/2024

Many credible reports have spoken to the unacceptable levels at which self-censorship persists, particularly on sensitive topics such as corruption and abuse of power, a basic human right issues.
CEMESP did not shy away from addressing the darker side of press freedom in Liberia as we continue to witness instances where Liberian law enforcement remains a source of insecurity for journalists.
We urge authorities to ensure accountability for attacks on journalists and call for broadbase collaboration to strengthen the quality of journalism in Liberia.
Read more on of our statement on World 🌎 Press Freedom Day 👇

On World Press Freedom Day, the Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP) released a poignant statement, echoing the sentiments of a nation grappling with the complexities of its media landscape.

27/03/2024

Recruitment Notice: Internship Opportunity at the Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP)

The Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP) is currently seeking two dynamic individuals to join our team as interns. This internship opportunity offers valuable experience for senior students or university graduates with a skill set in Journalism, Mass Communication, Sociology, or Social Work.

Requirements:

• Senior students or university graduates
• Background or skill set in Journalism, Mass Communication, Sociology, or Social Work
Responsibilities:
•The intern should have computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Word(REQUIRED)

• Assist with various projects and initiatives related to media development and freedom of expression advocacy
• Conduct research, compile data, and analyze information relevant to our organization's objectives
• Provide support in organizing events, workshops, and training sessions
• Collaborate with team members to contribute to the overall mission and goals of CEMESP
Application Process: Interested applicants are required to submit the following to: [email protected]

• Cover letter expressing interest in the internship position
• A 500-word purpose statement outlining your skill set, interests, and future goals
Submission Deadline: Please submit your application documents no later than April 10, 2024, at 4 pm.

Selection Process: Selected applicants will be contacted for further evaluation.

Qualified and accepted interns stand to benefit from the following:

• Meaningful Work Experience: CEMESP will provide interns with hands-on experience relevant to media development and Journalism through working on real projects, shadowing experienced professionals, or participating in teamwork.
• Mentorship and Guidance: Interns will take up assignments with experienced mentors or supervisors who can provide guidance, feedback, and support throughout the internship to greatly enhance their learning experience and professional development.
• Networking Opportunities: Interns will be given opportunities to network with professionals within and outside of CEMESP, attend project meetings and activity meetings, and connect with others to strengthen relationships that can be valuable for future career opportunities.
• Training and Development: Interns will be offered access to training programs, workshops, seminars, or online courses that can help develop new skills and enhance their existing ones.
• Flexible Schedule: The provision of flexibility in terms of work hours will be allowed to accommodate interns' academic schedules and personal commitments.
• Compensation or Stipend: CEMESP will offer a modest stipend or compensation to cover the cost of transportation, the value of time, and contributions.
• Access to Resources: Each intern will be provided access to office facilities, equipment, and reference materials that can enable them to perform their duties effectively.
• Performance Feedback and Evaluation: CEMESP will ensure regular feedback sessions and performance evaluations to help interns understand their strengths and areas for improvement, allowing them to grow professionally.
How to Apply: Kindly address your application to The Recruitment Officer, Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP), Rose Garden Plaza, Crown Hill, Monrovia. Please email your cover letter and purpose statement and CV to [email protected]

Females are encourage to apply.

Join us at CEMESP and become part of our mission to strengthen journalism, promote freedom of expression, access to information and contribute to peacebuilding efforts in Liberia. We look forward to receiving your applications!

Signed: Malcolm W. Joseph Director - CEMESP

29/02/2024

Today marked the conclusion of a two-day Investigative Journalism Training in Monrovia, organized by the Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP) as part of USAID/Liberia Media Activity Project.

Brice Rambaud, Internews Regional Director for Subsaharan Africa, graced us with his presence at the closing session. Brice shared his personal experiences in investigative journalism, sat with us for over an hour, and actively participated in an engaging session on Undercover Investigative Journalism.A heartfelt thank you to Brice for his invaluable insights and time.

We extend our gratitude to our esteemed facilitators and applaud the dedication of the 18 journalists who participated in this training.

🕵️‍♂️📝

28/02/2024

Happening Now!!

The Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP) has started a two-day Investigative Journalism Training in Monrovia.

The initiative, under the auspices of the USAID/Liberia Media Activity implemented by Internews in Liberia, is set to empower 18 reporters with comprehensive skills in various facets of investigative journalism.

22/02/2024

Earlier today, the Center for Media Studies & Peacebuilding (CEMESP) opened a two-day training on Data Collection, Interpretation & Analysis for the Independent Information Commission (IIC) staff.

The training, an activity of USAID/Liberia Media Activity which is implemented by Internews in Liberia brings together 14 participants, selected from IIC's regional hub coordinators.

IIC staff in the training will acquire important skills in collecting, interpreting, and analyzing data, which will help them better contribute to the mission and functions of the Independent Information Commission.

22/02/2024

As part of The USAID-Liberia Media Activity implemented by Internews, the Center for Media Studies & Peacebuilding (CEMESP) has initiated a two-day training on Data Collection, Interpretation & Analysis for the staff of the Independent Information Commission (IIC).

The training, held from February 22-23, 2024, at iCampus Conference Hall on Up Carey Street in Monrovia, Liberia, includes 14 participants from IIC, comprising 5 females and 9 males, selected from IIC’s regional hub coordinators in B**g, Bassa, and Bomi counties.IIC Executive Director Emmanule Howe is actively participating in the training.

At the end of this activity, it is expected that participants will gain valuable skills in data collection, interpretation, and analysis, enhancing their capacity to contribute effectively to the Independent Information Commission's mission and functions.
The training is part of CEMESP' technical support to the Independent Information Commission under the USAID/Liberia Media Activity Project.

14/02/2024

Another Round Of Training Begins Thursday In Monrovia A Two Day Post Elections Reporting Training Workshop Organized and conducted by the Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP) has ended in Nimba County with a call for community radios to help promote accountability. The training sponso...

10/11/2023

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07/11/2023

07/11/2023

Today, CEMESP launched the Liberia Investigative Journalism Network with support from Internews USAID/Liberia Media Activity. The network will coordinate and strengthen capacities of journalists to cover groundbreaking public interest stories.

VOA reporter Rita Jlogbe Doue was elected Coordinator of the network after a two day forum on investigative journalism.

Earlier on Monday, Musa Sangarie, Internews Regional Program Manager for West and Central Africa attended the forum and encouraged the journalists to take the path of investigative reporting.

As part of her commitment to support the network, CEMESP presented three digital recorders and a laptop computer to the leadership of the network.

30/10/2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

At CEMESP-UN Women Media Leadership Roundtable: Journalists Resolve To Step Up Reporting On Violence Against Women And Girls

The Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP), in collaboration with UN Women, has ended a two-day media leadership roundtable in Monrovia, with Journalists committing themselves to doing more investigative stories on violence against women and girls in Liberia.

At the end of the weekend roundtable, which brought together 30 Journalists from Montserrado and Grand Cape Mount counties, they signed a communique agreeing to form a network to constantly keep SGBV issues on the front burner.

“Issues on violence against women and girls are grossly underreported; Reporters are not doing follow-up; they instead do surface reporting. There is an urgent need to establish a special Network of Journalists reporting on issues of women and girls relating to SGBV. Having reviewed the Domestic Violence Act in Section 1, it was noted that the issue of domestic violence should be looked at holistically and that Journalists, in their reporting, need to understand that domestic violence is defined in the law as both “physical” and “psychological.”

Compromising cases at family level in the communities and sometimes at the Judiciary delay (VAWG) cases,” the communique says.
Held under the theme, Enhancing Media Reporting on Violence Against Women and Girls in Liberia, the media roundtable was aimed at building the capacity of Reporters and giving them the needed skills in investigating and reporting stories related to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

CEMESP’s Executive Director, Malcolm W. Joseph, said that the Monrovia media roundtable is the first of two sessions, with the second due to be held early next month in Ganta, Nimba County.
According to him, the project is being implemented by CEMESP with funding support from UN Women. It is designed to benefit media executives, media practitioners, online bloggers, and journalists from print and broadcast in enhancing their knowledge and skills in reporting on gender-based violence issues through a gender lens.

Mr. Joseph said that it is intended to address the issue of under-reporting as well as how information is packaged for public consumption that involves women and girls victimized as a result of their gender.

Under the Spotlight Initiative, CEMESP will support media practitioners and institutions in advocacy, media engagement regarding Gender Sensitive Reporting, and media contribution to addressing violence against women and girls, including the provision of specific support to journalists and community radio stations in reporting incidents of violence against women and girls.In this context, innovative strategy and mechanism to work with the media are required for creating and shaping public opinion on the protection of women and girls from all forms of violence, including creating a space where information on women and girls are aired in a manner that do not subject gender stereotyping or the affliction of abuse.

The CEMESP Executive Director said that recommendations generated from this dialogue will lead to the development of media policy formulation through a communique to mainstream media content on gender-empowering themes in news and programs.

28/10/2023

Center for Media Studies and Peace Building concludes a two-day round table to benefit media practitioners, online bloggers, and journalists.

The dialogue enhances their knowledge and skills in reporting on gender-based violence issues through a gender lens.

With funding support from UN Women Liberia, the activity was also intended to address the issue of under-reporting as well as how information is packaged for public consumption involving women and girls victimized as a result of their gender.

The media dialogue emphasizes the mapping of SGBV stories, and ethical issues to consider when reporting on violence against women and girls online and offline.

17/10/2023

The Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP) and the Media Foundation for West Africa(MFWA), with generous funding from the Dutch Foreign Ministry through the Embassy of the Netherlands in Ghana, are collaborating to host a vital two-day capacity building training. This initiative is dedicated to empowering Liberian journalists with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively utilize the Freedom of Information (FOI) law. The primary goal is to facilitate improved public access to information concerning local governance issues and expenditures.
Today, a total of 40 journalists hailing from various regions across Liberia, including Monrovia, Nimba, B**g, Grand Bassa, Bomi, and Grand Cape Mount counties, have congregated to partake in this comprehensive training. The program's agenda is designed to equip these journalists with essential tools and insights, enabling them to navigate the intricacies of the FOI law and utilize it to elevate transparency and accountability in local governance.
The training is not merely an event; it stands as a proactive step towards fostering a culture of informed citizenry, robust journalism, and a strengthened democracy in Liberia. By leveraging the FOI law, journalists are positioned to play a pivotal role in holding authorities accountable and fostering greater openness in the administration of public resources at the local level. Through these efforts, CEMESP and MFWA aim to contribute to a more transparent, accountable, and democratic Liberia.

09/10/2023

Pictorial from a media dialogue to de-emphasize political hate-speech organized by CEMESP in collaboration with Wanep-Liberia with funding support from the European Union.

07/10/2023

https://fb.watch/nx8ABun0X0/?mibextid=RUbZ1f

06/10/2023

03/10/2023

https://fb.watch/nrHsnrFjgD/?mibextid=RUbZ1f

26/09/2023

Promoting informed decision-making enhances electoral transparency and fosters active civic engagement by providing a platform for interaction between candidates and the public.

Our presidential debates are designed to ensure equal representation by providing fair and equal opportunities for all candidates, regardless of their political affiliation, gender, ethnicity, or socio-economic background.

This is part of USAID/Liberia Media Activity support for electoral democracy in Liberia. Keep following for more updates

Text by Jefferson Togbah Massah.

Internews in Liberia Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs & Tourism (MICAT) NEC Liberia Association of Liberia Community Radio (ALICOR) Female Journalists Association of Liberia Center for Media Studies and Peace Building Liberia Elections Observation Network European Union in Liberia Liberia Media for Democratic Initiatives-LMDI UN in Liberia Everyone

23/09/2023

Did you miss the senatorial candidates debate in RiverGee County?

Please follow.....

23/09/2023

Join our debate team live at the Fish Town City Hall beginning at 11:00a.m today for the 2023 RiverGee County Senarioal Candidates debate.

01/09/2023

In an effort to build institutional resilience and improve the quality of media coverage for Liberia's upcoming 2023 election, twenty Liberian journalists have benefitted from a three-day training program focused on responsible and conflict-sensitive election reporting.

The training was organized by the Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP) with funding support from OSIWA- the Society Initiative for West Africa.

Participating journalists were drawn from four counties- B**g, Gbarpolu, and Grand Cape Mount and Montserrado. The participants gained new knowledge through important topics, including research-based journalism and compelling storytelling techniques. They also received valuable insights into harnessing new media tools for reporting and the critical practice of fact-checking.

The training equipped them with fundamental interviewing skills tailored specifically for interviewing political actors to ensure news coverage remains accurate, balance sensitive and responsible before, during, and after the election period.

09/08/2023

CEMESP with support from Internews holds a 3 day intensive Investigative Journalism refresher workshop in Monrovia.

Selected journalists are being retrained in various subjects previously discussed to refresh memory and improve knowledge base in investigative journalism.

Cemesp is also using the training to enhance support to journalists who are committed to improving their skills and overall performance in groundbreaking investigations.

The training is an activity under the USAID/Liberia Media Activity Program.

Executive Director Malcolm Wleemogar Joseph and Internews in Liberia Chief of Party Lien Bach made remarks at the opening ceremony.