The establishment of this Media Institution was critical to sustaining efforts at reinstating democratic rule. TEACH OUR PEOPLE COMMUNICATIONS INC which run TOP FM/TV not only provided regular updates relating to ongoing efforts to restore democracy, especially crucial elections, but also served as a major reporter of issues that counteracted corrupt propaganda. Since 2015, TOP FM has continuously performed its role as a platform for civil society, upholding democracy, human rights, promoting good governance, and providing a platform for diverse voices from all spectrums of Grand Gedeh’s population, stimulating an active citizenry in both national and community discussions.
Mission Statement: TEACH OUR PEOPLE COMMUNICATIONS INC. is dedicated to serving the community by providing information, education, and entertainment. We aim to promote peace and harmony among all community members and to uphold the cultural norms and values of every Liberian.
Operational Objectives: The overarching objective of TOPCI is to inspire our team to initiate programs that advance peace, unity, education, and social cohesion among our audiences.
Our specific objectives include, but are not limited to, the following:
- To orient and guide our members through the process of producing and airing programs that foster peace and unity among listeners and community inhabitants.
- To encourage and guide every worker to show respect for all individuals within their professional and community circles while performing their duties.
- To establish professional partnerships with reputable media training institutions and seasoned media professionals to provide continuous training services for our staff.
- To diligently protect and uphold the cultural norms and values of the community.
In alignment with our multi-platform nature (including TOP MOVIES), TOPCI also aims to:
- Tell Authentic Liberian Stories and Showcase Culture: To produce films that authentically reflect Liberian history, traditions, contemporary life, and diverse cultural narratives, thereby preserving national identity and sharing it with local and global audiences.
- Rationale: Liberian films are a powerful medium to “tell our stories and showcase our culture,” with a strong desire to shift focus from foreign cultural influences to unique Liberian narratives.
- Elevate the Industry to a Viable and Respected Career Path: To transform filmmaking into a recognized and profitable profession, enabling individuals to build sustainable careers.
- Rationale: Actors, cinematographers, and other film professionals should be able to “proudly identify their professions in their passports,” indicating a need for the industry to provide stable income and professional recognition.
- Improve Production Quality to International Standards: To enhance the technical and artistic quality of Liberian films in terms of scriptwriting, directing, cinematography, acting, and post-production (editing, sound, VFX).
- Rationale: Addressing the “lack of quality of production and post-production processes” is critical for Liberian films to compare favorably with international standards, requiring better training, budgeting, and overall filmmaking knowledge.
- Increase Market Access and Distribution (Local and International): To broaden the reach of Liberian films, both within Liberia and globally, ensuring they are seen by wider audiences.
- Rationale: Overcoming “limited market access” and poor distribution channels is vital, including securing cinema runs, spots on streaming platforms, and effective promotion to encourage local viewership.
- Attract Investment and Secure Funding: To encourage greater financial backing from both the government and the private sector to fund film productions and industry development.
- Rationale: The pervasive “lack of investment” and “financial uncertainty” demands robust financial backing to produce higher quality films and sustain operations.
- Strengthen Copyright Protection and Regulatory Frameworks: To establish and enforce strong intellectual property rights to protect filmmakers’ works from piracy and ensure proper royalties, along with creating supportive policies.
- Rationale: Piracy is a major issue, requiring government intervention to strengthen copyright laws and provide regulatory guidance, learning from countries like Nigeria and Ghana.
- Foster Collaboration and Industry Unity: To encourage greater collaboration among filmmakers, producers, distributors, government bodies, and media outlets.
- Rationale: A “unified voice” and collective effort are needed to address industry challenges, share knowledge, and advocate for systemic change.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Board of Advisors, Management, Staff, and community members shall convene annually on April 21, to celebrate TOPCI Founder’s Day. This occasion will be marked by professional, social, and athletic activities, directly involving all key stakeholders.
During this celebration, the CEO, the Board Chairman, or their designee shall highlight the community’s and local authorities’ involvement and contributions to the institution’s work. The General Manager, under the CEO’s direction and with the Board Chair’s guidance, shall provide an overview of the work of each Department’s staff, acknowledging their professional contributions and any shortcomings, along with recognizing donors, partners, and the organization’s financial, administrative, and collaborative relationships with other media, movies, and musical institutions.
Hardworking staffers and outstanding contributors shall be recognized during the Founder’s Day celebration for their dedication to promoting the institution and its image both within and outside Grand Gedeh County.
