Published: January 20, 2025
ZORZOR, Lofa County – Alternative Youth Radio (AYR), a leading community radio station in northern Liberia, has declined a donation from Senator Momo Cyrus due to a misalignment with its policies on donor contributions. Senator Cyrus, known for his community-focused initiatives, had offered a brand-new motorcycle to bolster the station’s operations. However, his request to brand the vehicle with his name clashed with AYR’s long-standing policies on donor recognition.
Since its establishment in 2016, AYR has maintained strict guidelines to ensure transparency, neutrality, and integrity in its operations. While it has accepted various forms of support over the years, the station prohibits the personalization or branding of donated items with donor names. Instead, AYR honors contributions through public acknowledgments and stories of appreciation.
“We are deeply grateful for Senator Cyrus’s generous gesture and the spirit of community it represents,” said James Papy Kwabo, Jr., General Manager and CEO of AYR. “However, our commitment to our founding principles, which prioritize neutrality and avoid perceptions of partisanship or undue influence, necessitates this difficult decision.”
AYR’s decision underscores its commitment to safeguarding its role as an unbiased platform serving over 25,000 listeners daily. The station, based in Zorzor, Lofa County, is a vital source of information and advocacy for rural communities, particularly for youth empowerment, education, and development.
In a statement, AYR thanked Senator Cyrus and his team for their understanding, expressing openness to future collaborations that align with the station’s policies. “This decision in no way diminishes the significance of Senator Cyrus’s generosity,” the statement read. “We hope for opportunities to work together in ways that align with our shared vision of empowering communities through inclusive media.”
Senator Cyrus has not yet commented publicly on the matter.
For additional information, AYR encourages interested parties to contact its management directly via phone, email, or its official website.
About Alternative Youth Radio
Founded in 2016, Alternative Youth Radio (AYR) is a community-driven station dedicated to amplifying local voices and addressing societal challenges in Lofa County and beyond. With a mission to empower youth and serve as a catalyst for social change, AYR has become a trusted institution in rural Liberia.
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