In a country where news coverage often revolves around politics and scandal, one Liberian journalist is carving out a different path; spotlighting culture, community, and resilience through the lens of documentary storytelling.
Emmanuel Y. Kortu, who returned to Liberia in 2016 after years abroad with a journalism degree, has since built one of the nation’s most influential digital platforms. His flagship program, COUNTY DIARY, has attracted more than 5.7 million views and 33,000 YouTube subscribers across 600 episodes, offering audiences a rare look at Liberia’s untold stories.
Kortu’s path to prominence began in local radio, where he spent six years working as a reporter, presenter, director, and manager. But in 2023, frustrated by what he describes as the political saturation of Liberia’s media, he launched an independent venture dedicated to positive narratives. The gamble paid off. His documentaries have already influenced tourism, with at least 25 international visitors citing COUNTY DIARY as their reason for traveling to Liberia in 2025.
Broadcast on KMTV via Satcom and streamed globally, Kortu’s productions mark a deliberate shift from conventional media practice. “Our goal is to reshape how people see Liberia,” he explains. “Not just as a post-conflict nation, but as a country with culture, stories, and voices worth celebrating.”
The impact has been both local and international. His team’s work is helping redefine Liberia’s image; away from the shadows of war and corruption, and toward a narrative of cultural heritage, development, and renewal.
Looking forward, Kortu is aiming high: he hopes to grow his YouTube audience to 100,000 subscribers by the end of 2025. For him, this isn’t just about numbers; it’s about reframing the world’s perception of Liberia, one documentary at a time.
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