Tiawan Saye Gongloe write.. Mercenary Journalism — A Threat to Liberia’s Progress

Tiawan Saye Gongloe write.. Mercenary Journalism — A Threat to Liberia’s Progress

Journalism is among the noblest callings in a democracy. Its duty is simple and sacred: to inform, to educate, and to empower. A free, independent press shines light in dark places, holds power to account, and equips citizens with the truth they need to govern themselves.

But when journalism is reduced to cash-for-content politics, it becomes a weapon. That is mercenary journalism, when a journalist sells a pen or a microphone to the highest bidder, often a politician, to smear opponents or polish failures into virtues. It is not reporting; it is paid propaganda disguised as news.

Mercenary journalism is dangerous because it turns lies into headlines and truth into a casualty. It makes bad leaders look good and good leaders look bad. It poisons public debate, undermines fair competition, and weakens already fragile institutions. In a young democracy like Liberia, that is not merely irresponsible, it is destructive.

We have borne the cost of lies. The failure to tell the truth about bad governance paved the road to chaos, through a coup and civil wars that claimed hundreds of thousands of Liberian lives and displaced many more. When truth is buried, rumor becomes rallying cry, and violence follows.

Liberia needs journalists of courage, principle, and integrity, men and women who will speak truth to power, not sing praises for pay while the people suffer. Real journalism verifies, discloses interests, separates fact from opinion, and refuses envelopes and favors. It does not trade the public’s right to know for private gain.

What must change—now:
1. Zero tolerance for pay-to-publish. Newsrooms must reject cash or gifts for coverage and disclose any sponsored content, clearly labeled.
2. Standards and enforcement. Editors must enforce codes of ethics, fact-checking, and right of reply—every time, for everyone.
3. Citizen support for clean media. Liberians should back independent outlets—subscribe, read critically, and reward integrity.
4. Transparency from public officials. No secret media contracts, no hidden payments.

Let us reject mercenary journalism. Let us celebrate and support the kind of journalism that strengthens democracyand advances peace, progress, and prosperity.

The nation we build depends on the news we believe.

Because without truth, there can be no trust.
And without trust, there can be no democracy.