The Inquirer
Monrovia, Liberia

Distributed by

The Perspective
Atlanta, Georgia

Posted May 6, 2004

During an elaborate program April 24, Soccer Star George Weah, owner of the twin radio/TV station, switched on the VOA receiver to formally declare his station a VOA affiliate. Mr. Weah performed the ceremony in the presence of international media, representatives of the Liberian Government, UNICEF and the Public Affairs Section of the U. S. Embassy.

Weah, also UNICEF’s Goodwill Ambassador, said he was very excited to have VOA TV back in Liberia. He recalled the absence of VOA TV from the country 15 years ago, and said he would use his station to promote the Liberian peace process. The Public Affairs Officer (PAO) of the U.S. Embassy, Ms. Christina Porche lauded Mr. Weah’s efforts, noting that Television was a powerful medium. Ms. Porche said with a VOA TV affiliate in Liberia one more voice had been added to the US broadcasting family. She said this development was good for the Liberian peace process. The UNICEF Representative, Angela Kearnly, also praised Mr. Weah’s peace initiatives.

A live talk show broadcast simultaneously on Mr. Weah’s King’s FM and Clair TV later followed during the program. The US Embassy Public Affairs Director, the UNICEF Representative and Ambassador Weah who appeared on the show discussed concerns for the youth of Liberia and the need to continue moving towards peace in the country.

A highlight of the program to formally launch VOA TV in Liberia was the climbing to the roof of the twin station by PAO Porche and taking a photo with soccer legend Weah with a view of the VOA dish that facilitates the relaying of VOA programs by King’s FM and Clair TV.

Through the affiliate relationship, Clair TV will now relay several VOA programs including Africa Journal, Straight Talk Show, Science World, Jazz Alley and The George Michael Sports Machine. Listeners tuning in to King’s FM can also hear such VOA radio programs as ‘Africa World Tonight’, ‘Hip-Hop Connection’, ‘Our World’, and the ‘World of Music’.