By: Moses B. Sundaygar

Monrovia, Liberia March 24, 2020:

Serious noise ensured yesterday March 23, 2020 during the morning hours between Min. Eugene Fahngon and Veteran journalist Mr. Rutherson Fayiah for leaving out more independent media outlets at the MOH/NPHIL COVID19 Press Conference which was held at the Ministry of Health Conference Room #227.

Before the Press Conference, the Assistant Minister of Press and Public Affairs at the Ministry of Information Culture Affairs and Tourism Min. Fahngon through his able Lieutenant Mr. Lawrence Fahnbulleh Director of Press, published a listing of nine (9) media entities to cover the Press Conference.
The list which included:

1. LBS TEAM
2. MICAT PRESS TEAM
3. LINA TEAM
4. KMTV
5. EXECUTIVE MANSION LIVE
6. SAM TV
7. WAP TV
8. SPOON TV
9. FRONT PAGE AFRICA

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A situation which left many media entities reporters disappointed and angry for being overlooked by the Ministry (MICAT).
Due to the situation, some aggrieved journalist than phone veteran journalist, Mr. Rutherson Fayiah to state their dissatisfaction as a result, he (Journalist Fayiah) immediately came to verify and talk it up with the Minister.

Having confirmed from Min. Fahngon that the information was factual, he later appeal that the decision should be reconsider to enable some credible independent media outlets gather their stories for reporting as six(6) of the nine (9) media entities are government own (LBS TEAM, LINA TEAM, WAP TV, EXECUTIVE MANSION LIVE, SAM TV & MICAT TEAM) and or for people working within the government.

” It is true that you made your selection but only three (3) of the nine are independent. So what becomes of the independent outlets whose reporters are here to cover the conference and write their stories.
You are trying to make this appear as if it is a political issue. How do you expect other media entities to report the facts about this COVID19 if they are denial access. Other independent media entities are being overlooked and left out in the process which is not fair and does not in anyway qualify the independence of your press conference.”
Journalist Fayiah asserted.

In a furious response to Journalist Fayiah’s claims and accusation, Min. Fahngon stated that; “Everyday you people complain about people beating on journalists, so I’m asking you to please leave our Press Conference and this facility politely. Because the nonsense you do to people and insult them; you wont insult my intelligence. What you are telling me (“Other independent media entities are being overlooked and left out in the process which is not fair and does not in anyway qualify the independence of your press conference”). is a complete nonsense so please leave”.
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