By: Alusine Rehme Wilson
Popular Lawyer and Politician Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara alias “JFK” has called for sweeping reforms in sports journalism in Sierra Leone, urging practitioners to embrace digital innovation while upholding strict ethical standards to drive national impact.
Delivering the keynote address at the 2025 Annual General Meeting of the Sports Writers Association of Sierra Leone (SWASAL) in Bo City, Lawyer Kamara said the rapid expansion of digital platforms had transformed sports reporting but also exposed the profession to misinformation, ethical breaches, and declining public trust.
Speaking under the theme “Strengthening Sports Journalism in the Digital Era: Innovation, Integrity and Impact,” Lawyer Kamara challenged journalists to adapt to a media landscape where mobile phones and social media platforms can instantly broadcast local matches to a global audience.
He stressed that innovation must go beyond technology to include new storytelling formats such as short-form video highlights, live text commentary, podcasts in local languages, and data-driven reporting.
He also urged journalists to prioritize mobile-first publishing to reach audiences increasingly consuming content on smartphones.
However, the respected lawyer who doubles as a former Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), and Attorney General and Minister of Justice, warned that the pursuit of online visibility must not come at the expense of credibility.
Furthermore, Lawyer Kamara condemned the rise of fabricated transfer stories, sensational headlines, and so-called “brown envelope” journalism, describing trust as the profession’s most valuable currency.
“Verification before publication must be the minimum standard,” he said, calling for transparency in correcting errors, protection of vulnerable athletes, particularly minors,and an end to partisan reporting fueled by club loyalties or financial inducements.
He proposed the adoption of a digital code of conduct for SWASAL members, alongside mechanisms to address ethical violations and the revival of an integrity award to recognize excellence in truthful reporting.
Lawyer Kamara also emphasized the transformative role of sports journalism in national development, urging reporters to move beyond match coverage to stories that drive accountability and social change. He cited the need for sustained reporting on poor sports infrastructure, athlete welfare, and governance in the sector.
“Impact is not measured by views, but by lives changed,” he said, encouraging journalists to highlight grassroots talent, promote youth empowerment, and attract investment into the sports ecosystem through credible reporting.
He further recommended the creation of digital mentorship hubs to build capacity among journalists across the country, including in Bo, Kenema, Makeni, and Freetown.
Closing his address, Kamara issued a three-point call to action, namely for them to acquire at least one new digital skill, commit to ethical reporting standards, and produce impactful stories that benefit communities and athletes.
The 2025 SWASAL AGM brought together leading sports journalists, media stakeholders, and industry observers to reflect on the future of sports reporting in Sierra Leone amid growing digital disruption.