I want to be honest about the situation in Sierra Leone. Many drivers and gatemen who didn't attend university earn the same salary as college-educated journalists. It's a harsh reality that young media practitioners are among the most underpaid professionals, yet they are expected to report the news and investigate public interest stories. Maintaining media objectivity is challenging when journalists struggle to make ends meet.

When I founded the Vickie Remoe Prize for Journalism and New Media last year, I intended to recognize excellence in the field. However, after speaking with the winners and learning about their work and pay, I realized that this prize is also about supporting the livelihood of our country's young media practitioners.

Most journalists who don't engage in unethical practices receive less than $100 a month to live on. Despite their meager earnings, they show up daily to write our stories and report the news. Journalists are eager to make a name for themselves and accept terrible working conditions because they feel they have no choice. Media companies exploit young journalists, offering "visibility" instead of fair pay and livable wages. I can’t go into full detail to protect our grantees, but the future of journalism is bleak if things don’t change. Many trained and experienced journalists leave the profession for better opportunities as public relations managers, media advocates, or communications managers. Those who remain often rely on patronage journalism or blackmail to earn a decent wage. At the same time, low wages are widespread in Sierra Leone. Those interested in public interest journalism and making Sierra Leone famous need to do more to advocate for fair treatment and highlight these issues in the media.

I've been fortunate to work as an independent multimedia journalist for over a decade. Through the Vickie Remoe Show, GoWoman Magazine, the Make Sierra Leone Famous Podcast, and my feature articles for Concord Times, I have broken new ground. However, I am only one person, and that's a problem. With the Vickie Remoe Prize, I hope to address some of these issues. While I can't solve all the problems in the media, this grant and the community I'm building with the grantees will allow me to mentor and support young journalists and content creators.

I am thrilled to announce that the 2024 Vickie Remoe Prize for Journalism and New Media applications are now open. The submission deadline is February 28, 2024. Please note that Terms and Conditions apply. For more information, visit our website at https://www.learndigitalcommunications.org/vickie-remoe-prize-2024