By Julian Koroma

Claim: A recent photo circulated on social media suggests that a cameraman employed by the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Cooperation (SLBC) wore a cap with the symbol of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) during an SLPP rally in Bo.

The screenshot of a WhatsApp status.

Verdict: FALSE. The cameraman in question was wearing a shirt and a cap clad with world environment day images.

Full Text

On June 9, the SLPP held a rally in Bo, attracting journalists and cameramen from various radio and television stations who were present at the Bo City Stadium to provide coverage. It is not uncommon for media personnel to be present at political rallies to report on the events. Following the rallies in Bo, a screenshot of an individual wearing an SLBC-logo jacket while holding a camera was shared on social media. The individual in question was also seen wearing a cap with green inscriptions.

Several comments on social media suggested that the cameraman was showing support for the SLPP party. While it is not illegal for journalists or employees of radio and television stations to have personal political affiliations, openly associating with a political party can indicate bias, which is considered unethical in journalism.

Methodology

In order to verify the claim, the SLAJ/NDI SuperNewsRoom located pictures of the SLBC cameraman. It was confirmed that the cameraman did wear a cap with green inscriptions, but the inscriptions were not related to the SLPP symbol. Instead, they celebrated World Environment Day, which took place on June 5 2023.

Revealing images of the SLBC man wearing a world environment day shirt and cap.

Conclusion

The evidence conclusively proves that the posts circulating on social media are false. The SLBC cameraman was not wearing an SLPP cap, but rather a cap commemorating World Environment Day. It is crucial to ensure accurate reporting and avoid spreading misinformation, especially in sensitive political contexts.

This fact-checked article is a product of the SLAJ/NDI SuperNewsRoom on Combating Disinformation in Sierra Leone’s 2023 electoral cycle. The project is supported by Global Affairs Canada to enable citizens have access to credible and accurate information during the elections.

The SuperNewsRoom is powered by Africell SL.

U Don Chek Am? Na 4 Chek Am!