Monrovia, Liberia – March 5, 2026 — Drone Network News and Media Consultancy Inc. (DN News Liberia) and the Johnathan Paye-Layleh School of Journalism have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at strengthening media professionalism, academic training, and collaboration within Liberia’s journalism sector.
The signing ceremony took place Thursday at the DN News office on 13th Street in the Boulevard Palace Compound, Sinkor, bringing together leadership of both institutions, media practitioners, and guests.
Prior to the signing, Chief Executive Officer of DN News, Mr. Trokon G. Flahnma, and Executive Director of the Johnathan Paye-Layleh School of Journalism, Mr. Bobby Tengben, delivered remarks highlighting the significance of the partnership.
Speaking on behalf of DN News, Mr. Flahnma described the agreement as a major step toward strengthening the media profession in Liberia. “This Memorandum of Understanding we are about to sign is more than a document—it is a commitment to the future of journalism in Liberia,” Mr. Flahnma said.
Drawing on his more than ten years of experience in broadcast and social media journalism, the DN News CEO emphasized that modern journalism requires strong professional preparation. “Journalism today requires not only passion, but training, discipline, ethical grounding, and adaptability,” he stated. Mr. Flahnma noted that the collaboration is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and newsroom practice. According to him, DN News will support the journalism school through media visibility, professional coverage, and consultancy services, while the institution will provide scholarship opportunities and professional development pathways for staff of the media outlet.
“This partnership reflects our belief that the future of Liberia’s media landscape depends on collaboration, mentorship, and investment in young professionals,” he added. Also speaking before the signing, Executive Director of the Johnathan Paye-Layleh School of Journalism, Mr. Bobby Tengben, described the occasion as a historic moment for the institution.“Today marks a very important and historical moment for the Johnathan Paye-Layleh School of Journalism as we gather to formalize a partnership that will strengthen journalism training and professional media practice in our country,” Mr. Tengben said.
He stressed that journalism education must go beyond classroom instruction.“Journalism cannot be learned only in the classroom; it must be experienced in the field, practiced in real newsrooms, and guided by seasoned professionals,” he noted.
Mr. Tengben explained that under the partnership, the journalism school will provide professional training opportunities for reporters of DN News in areas such as ethical reporting, investigative journalism, media law, and modern communication practices.At the same time, he said DN News will support the institution by providing media coverage for its activities and offering internship opportunities to students.
“This will give our students the invaluable opportunity to gain real world newsroom experience and practical exposure to the demands of professional journalism,” he said.
According to Mr. Tengben, the collaboration represents a mutually beneficial relationship that will strengthen both institutions while contributing to the development of a responsible media sector in Liberia.
Following their remarks, Mr. Flahnma and Mr. Tengben formally signed the one-year renewable Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of their respective institutions.
The agreement is expected to provide internship opportunities for journalism students, professional training for media practitioners, and stronger cooperation between academic institutions and media organizations in Liberia.
