The European Union (EU) Election Observation Mission to Sierra Leone 2023 in its Preliminary Statement dated 26th June 2023 commended the Africa Young Voices (AYV) Media Empire for the company’s professional coverage and reporting of the June 24, 2023 multi-tier elections.
The EU said: “. Commercial broadcasters offered a more balanced coverage with neither the APC nor the SLPP getting more than 50 per cent of prime-time news, overall neutral in tone. AYV Radio, Culture Radio and Democracy Radio undertook a more diversified approach, and analysed the President’s records in office in their broadcast and giving some airtime to parties, currently not represented in the parliament.”
The EU said the media better facilitating voters in making an informed choice.
The Independent Media Commission (IMC) also in its Report said the AYV was among the leading television channels in the country that gave thorough coverage to the two main political parties’ campaign activities across the country.
The IMC Report said: “The AYV television and radio on polling day broadcast their “Sierra Leone Decides” programmes, which hosted elections management bodies, observer missions, civil society and the media.
“The AYV radio/television from time-to-time broadcast programmes update on the voting and tallying processes from the Electoral Commission.
“AYV Television and radio through simulcast, provided coverage of all elections related press conferences from elections management bodies including Electoral Commission, Observer Missions, the media, civil society organisations and the Peace Commission”.
The Africa Young Voices Media Empire is a leading media company providing cutting-edge communication solutions.
AYV operates three television channels, radio, newspaper, and a printing press. AYV also broadcasts on DStv Channel 399 in Sierra Leone and across Africa.
AYV International is headquartered in London, United Kingdom with networks across the world including in Africa, Asia, Europe, Pacific, the Americas, and Caribbean. AYV has established a strategic partnership with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), the world service programme in London.
This partnership offers both AYV and the BBC a world – class broadcasting platform and resources for audiences across the world. More about: www.ayvnews.com.
The IMC reviewed it Reporting and Coverage of General and Local Election guidelines to Elections Coverage and Reporting Regulations 2022, in line with international best practices to promote democracy, peace and good governance by providing fair, adequate and equitable media coverage and reporting of the activities of political parties/candidates in Sierra Leone; offer equal opportunity and access to all political parties and candidates in presenting their manifestoes to the public; and to provide guide for media coverage and reporting of political activities, election campaigns, elections and post-elections activities in Sierra Leone.
