Although Sierra Leone has seen a proliferation of new community radio stations, most of these stations were started and managed by people with little or no training in broadcasting. As a result, these stations lack experienced and adequately trained staff, which limits the production of well-researched, balanced and professional programming. In particular, most lack the skills to produce professional programmes on accountability/transparency issues targeting local government institutions.
 
In response to the need for citizens to be adequately informed about government activities, this initiative will support the training of broadcast journalists on covering the activities of parliament and local councils so that they can produce programming that holds government accountable to citizens. This initiative also supports the development of a monthly accountability radio programme by the 27 member stations of IRN to inform the Sierra Leonean public on news, including on all issues concerning parliament and the local councils. The result will be a strengthened media landscape and a public who can access independent information and partake freely in determining their own future and the future of Sierra Leone.