independent public information network:
Sierra Leone

Search for Common Ground (SRCG) has contracted DRP to play an active role in their vision to create an independent public information network in Sierra Leone. 

DRP will work with three primary entities [SFCG’s Talking Drum Studio, the Media Foundation for Peace and Development (MFPD), and the Independent Radio Network (IRN)], along with less formalized players, to build consensus around the vision and purpose of an independent public information network.  From these meetings, DRP will develop an action plan to establish the environment to achieve this network.     

In late fall 2005, DRP will travel to Sierra Leone to make an assessment of the radio stations, meet with stakeholders and, with station managers, develop an action plan that makes recommendations to the configuration for a public information network vis-à-vis:

• A collective vision by all stakeholders about the independent public information network
• Governance of this institution
• Strategy for capacity development – human and technical resources
• Sustainability issues of an independent public information network

This action plan will also inform the developing medium to long-term strategy of SFCG to support community radio in Sierra Leone for the purpose of fostering peace and democracy building.  It is likely that a model will be developed that can be replicated in other national programmes in Sub-Saharan Africa.