[2] Filmmaker David Lalé has stated that "while the global media too often define Liberia in terms of the tragedy of the recent civil war, from its street-level perspective The Daily Talk describes a busy, hopeful nation in the process of renewal.

"[3] The founder, managing editor and sole employee of the Daily Talk is Alfred J. Sirleaf, an inventor and father of three[4] who founded his blackboard newspaper on May 14, 2000[5][6] because of his belief that a well-informed citizenry is crucial to the rebirth of Liberia after years of civil war.

[7] Sirleaf's critical writing about Liberian President Charles Taylor led to him being jailed several months after the board's creation, and the Daily Talk was destroyed by government soldiers.

[13] He writes on the board in Liberian English, and adds symbols to assist understanding of stories for those with limited literacy – including a bottle of dirty water for news about oil prices, a blue helmet for United Nations peacekeeping or a devil for the Ebola virus.

[5] The Daily Talk is free to read,[15] with Sirleaf receiving support in the form of occasional gifts of taxi rides and pre-paid cellphone cards.