By Kelfala Kargbo
Freetown, 6th January 2025- “Truth Media is not an easy place, and that is exactly what has shaped me today”.
The newsroom here has no room for mediocrity, laziness, or excuses. As a young media company with a small but energetic team of staff members, we carry a responsibility that demands speed and accuracy. The journey to where we are now has been anything but smooth.
Moving from theory to practice was tough. In a newsroom, every day is a deadline. In today’s fast-changing media space, journalists are caught between speed and accuracy, making the work even more demanding. A study once noted that the rush to publish online often sacrifices accuracy. As a young journalist, this reality pushes me out of my comfort zone, especially in an era of Artificial Intelligence.
I must admit: journalism was never my childhood dream. It was more of a coincidence that I grew to love it. My passion for writing and my instinct to stand for the truth eventually aligned with the very principles of journalism.
I was still an Honours student at FBC when I got the chance to work. At that stage, I had mostly been exposed to theory, with little practical experience. Six months ago, I sat nervously before a panel at Truth Media, which included Ahmed Nasralla, former SLAJ President. To my relief, I was shortlisted and told to start work on June 1.
The call from HR left me anxious. I had no editing skills, no knowledge of Adobe Audition or visual tools. I prayed for a miracle to learn overnight.
My first two months were slow, as the company was still waiting for its license. I spent most days scrolling on my phone, yet still received full pay at the end of each month. While that was comforting, I wanted more. I wanted the management’s investment to pay off. Some colleagues gave up, but I stayed.
In August, the license finally came. The team was eager to launch full operations and restore public trust in traditional media.
Our bold headlines quickly caught attention and sparked public debate. Titles like “To Cut or Not to Cut,” “LGBTU Hits 95,000 Population,” and “Instant Cock n Fire May Lead to Death” set the tone for Truth Media’s unique style.
The Morning Devotion program became a staple for citizens. Interviews with the Coalition for Equality, week-long coverage of the drug crisis, and even the Drizilik–Kao Denero feud showed our commitment to tackling issues that matter.
At a time when bloggers seemed to be taking over the gatekeeping role of the media, Truth Media restored trust in traditional journalism. Today, it stands as a symbol of truth and credibility. In my short time as a journalist, I’ve noticed Sierra Leoneans’ mixed attitude toward change. We complain about the economy, health, and education, but when given the chance to speak out, fear often holds us back.
On the field, I struggle to get people to talk. Not because they don’t trust me, but because they fear government backlash. This silence feels unlikely to change soon. Still, I’ve managed to tell stories that reflect real Sierra Leonean experiences, from burial processions to noise pollution and street photography.
Working with two of Sierra Leone’s finest journalists, Amadu Lamrana Bah and Christian Conteh, has been a period of growth. They lead with charisma, not force, and inspire us to push harder. One lesson that has shaped me and my colleagues is learning to work under pressure and multitask. It’s exhausting, but rewarding.
As we enter 2026, I remain committed to telling stories that matter, holding power accountable, and holding myself to the standards of journalism. Truth Media, with its passionate and energetic team, will continue to produce content that keeps citizens informed. We wish all our readers, listeners, and viewers a productive season ahead.
