Tokpa M. Tarnue Sr. is a double award-winning journalist serving as Station Manager at Radio Kintoma in Voinjama City, Lofa County. Tokpa also is a correspondent for the State Broadcaster (Liberia Broadcasting System). He has more than 15 years of experience as a journalist and has impacted the lives of several youth in the field of journalism.

IVLP Impact Award Project: Combating Disinformation and Misinformation in Lofa County through Media and Civil Engagements

The project addresses the increase in both misinformation and disinformation in Lofa County through training for journalists and journalism students. Activities will include media literacy workshops and training for local media in an effort to build community resilience through enhanced media literacy and stronger local media outlets.

So far, Tokpa has successfully organized and completed two workshops, one on combatting disinformation and the other on fact-checking methodologies. The workshops, attended by 50 participants, included civil society actors, media practitioners, and local authorities. They were equipped with essential skills for effective fact-checking, including using digital tools, verifying sources, and analyzing content to combat misinformation. Tokpa also launched a dedicated WhatsApp chatroom, creating a Fact-Checking Network for participants. This platform has become a valuable resource hub, allowing members to share tools, discuss challenges, and collaborate on efforts to address and debunk false information in their communities.  

Tokpa remarked that "the establishment of a fact-checking network has strengthened collaboration between civil society, media, and local authorities, promoting a united front against misinformation." 

 

 

“Combating misinformation and disinformation is key to promoting democracy.” - Tokpa Tarnue

IVLP Exchange Experience  

Tokpa participated in the IVLP Project Edward R. Murrow Program for Journalists - Media Responsibility in an Age of Disinformation, organized by the U.S. Department of State and FHI 360, in partnership with World Affairs Council of Philadelphia, WorldMontana, WorldOrlando, and World Partnerships Inc.

Tokpa's exchange experience led to the development of his project: "While in the U.S., I first had an opportunity to have a fair understanding of the U.S. Federal government structure and how it works, with emphasis placed on the concept of American federalism, history and culture. A specific section on “The Threat of Disinformation to Society and National Security” discussed by Dr. Samantha Bradshaw, assistant professor at American University, was one that I personally learned a lot from. Taking the situation in my country, Liberia, as a case study, disinformation from various news institutions continues to post serious threats on us as a people. I also learned about some of the best strategies and required tools for combating disinformation, which we are currently using at Radio Kintoma before broadcasting any information to our audience.”

U.S. Communities Visited   

Washington D.C.; Orlando, FL; St. Petersburg, FL; Helena, MT; Philadelphia, PA

Country: Liberia

Click here to go back to the IVLP Impact Awards Main page