“We’re not just a radio station; we’re a catalyst for change in Lofa County.”
In the heart of Liberia’s Lofa County lies a beacon of hope and innovation: the Alternative Youth Radio Station. This station, managed by James Kwabo, has not only become a vital source of information for the community but also a model of sustainable media through alternative revenue generation.
When traditional media revenues began to dwindle, Alternative Youth Radio, a community radio station in the vibrant town of Zorzor, was faced with the harsh realities of financial instability, much like many other independent media outlets. However, thanks to the alternative revenue scheme grant provided by Internews, the station found a lifeline.
Alternative Revenue Schemes pose an opportunity for independent media to identify and take up business opportunities in their communities where they can leverage the strength of their brands to bolster their business operations. Revenue generated from these businesses has proven critical in sustaining and scaling the operations of community radios. In turn, this has led to community media maintaining its independence and fulfilling its core mandate of providing vital information.
Alternative Youth Radio is among four community radio stations in Liberia that have benefited from the scheme, following a series of training and mentorship from Internews. The station manager, James, recounts the journey with excitement: “We applied for the grant to open a stationery and supply shop, a need we identified after conducting a market assessment. With over 10,000 to 15,000 secondary school students in the area and no local stationery shop, we saw an opportunity to solve a community problem and support our station.”
The grant, amounting to $5,500, enabled the station to set up the shop in April 2024 and within a month, the shop had generated a profit of $300.
The small shop has become a resource for people in the community, providing an essential service to the local education sector, with its impact being felt by other stakeholders in the town, who can now source their bulk stationery and printing services locally.
“Fifty percent of that profit was reinvested into the business, and a portion went towards supporting the salaries and stipends of our radio staff. The remaining funds were earmarked for launching a school newspaper and gathering local stories, furthering our commitment to community journalism,” James explains.
The station manager highlighted how the station is working towards self-sustenance to solve its problems, provide timely and reliable information, and expand its contribution to the media fraternity.
“Our goal is to expand AYR so that if we face equipment breakdowns or other emergencies, we can respond immediately without relying on external help… by focusing on multiple revenue streams, including solar power and agriculture, we are diversifying our income and ensuring long-term sustainability… we’re also breaking ground for the establishment of a journalism school, which will further solidify our role as a cornerstone of community development.”
The impact of this initiative extends beyond financial sustainability. Some of the staff have taken on more responsibilities and been promoted to supervisor level as the business grows. This transformation illustrates the broader impact the business is having on the community by creating jobs and empowering individuals.
Scaling, Ambitions, and Community Support
The success of the stationery shop has spurred further ambitions. James shares plans to scale up the business, supported by a LRD $3 million loan approved by a local bank. Additionally, the station is getting into strategic partnerships with local institutions to provide stationery and printing services for various purposes at a large scale. A move which will require them to source the materials directly from oversees markets in order to offer competitive prices and further solve the community’s supply issues.
“We’re in negotiations to sign MOUs with educational institutions to become their primary supplier. This expansion will increase our employment rate and significantly boost the local economy,” he adds.
The Internews grant has not only strengthened Alternative Youth Radio’s financial foundation but also amplified its role in community development. By addressing local needs and creating job opportunities, the station has secured its future while making a tangible impact on the community it serves. This visible impact in the community has further strengthened the radio station’s ties with the community which, in turn, will be ready to support the station’s initiatives.
Building on the momentum of their recent successes, Alternative Youth Radio has developed a comprehensive five-year strategic plan that outlines its vision for sustained growth and impact. As the station continues to grow and evolve, it stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, proving that with the right support and innovative thinking, local media can thrive and drive meaningful community transformation.
“Internews’ grant has been a game-changer,” James concluded. “It has enabled us to think beyond traditional media revenue and become a multifaceted community service provider. We’re not just a radio station; we’re a catalyst for change in Lofa County.”
Prince Sunduzani Works as Internews Liberia Media Business Officer. He drives media sustainability support for 30 community radio stations supported by USAID Liberia Media Activity Project / [email protected].