Popular journalist and media professional Thomas Josephus Dixon has officially declared his intention to contest for the position of Chairman of the GUILD of Newspaper Editors (GoNE), pledging to reinvigorate the organization and position it as a formidable force within Sierra Leone’s media landscape.
In a statement of intent, Dixon emphasized his commitment to serving rather than leading, highlighting his desire to work collaboratively with fellow editors to strengthen the Guild’s role in media development.
“I am not embarking on this journey for self-serving purposes but to awaken the sleeping giant in the GUILD of Newspaper Editors,” Dixon stated.
A Legacy of Experience and Dedication
Dixon is a well-known figure in Sierra Leonean journalism, having worked extensively across the media industry. He currently serves as the Managing Editor of New Age Newspaper and has held key editorial roles, including Student Editor of Aureol Torch Newspaper, Consultant Editor of News Watch Newspaper, Editor of Salone Times, and Managing Editor of New Age Newspaper.
Beyond journalism, he is also a lecturer in Journalism and Media Studies at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, where he has contributed to shaping the next generation of media professionals.
His previous involvement with GoNE includes a brief tenure as Acting Secretary-General, during which he helped organize the Guild’s first-ever successful Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Tokeh.
A Vision for the Guild: The GUILD Manifesto
Dixon’s campaign is anchored in what he terms the GUILD Manifesto, focusing on five key pillars:
G – Greatness: Strengthening the Guild’s relevance in Sierra Leone’s media ecosystem and fostering international partnerships.
U – Unity: Encouraging inclusivity and ensuring that diverse editorial perspectives strengthen, rather than divide, the Guild.
I – Inclusivity: Promoting gender-sensitive leadership and advocating for the inclusion of marginalized groups, including disabled journalists.
L – Leadership: Providing transparent, accountable, and competent leadership that respects and values all voices within the organization.
D – Development: Empowering editors through training, digitization, and modern management techniques to help newspapers navigate challenges such as new media and AI disruptions.
Dixon believes that with the right leadership, GoNE can fulfill its foundational purpose, as envisioned by the SAHARA Declaration, and become an institution that benefits not only its members but also Sierra Leone as a whole.
A Call to Action
Urging fellow editors to support his vision, Dixon emphasized the need for a revitalized Guild that fosters professional growth and collective advocacy.
“We have the responsibility to make the GUILD of Newspaper Editors a great institution. By supporting this vision, we will promote GREATNESS, UNITY, INCLUSIVITY, LEADERSHIP, and DEVELOPMENT,” he concluded.
As the election approaches, Dixon’s campaign seeks to rally editors around a common goal: awakening the sleeping giant that is the Guild of Newspaper Editors.