South Sudan Media Authority - MA

The Media Authority participated in a three-day coordination meeting convened under the Japan International Cooperation Agency–UNESCO project framework from 17th to 19th of February, 2025, marking the second partners’ engagement following the inaugural session held on 10–11 September 2025.

A key highlight of the discussions was media sustainability, particularly the technical and operational aspects necessary to ensure long-term viability of public broadcasting institutions.

Participants explored:

1.) Installation and upgrading of broadcast towers and transmission antennas to expand coverage and improve signal strength.
2.) Digitalization of content production and archiving systems to enhance quality, efficiency, and accessibility.
3.) Need for monetization strategies, including structured advertising models and diversified revenue streams, to support operational sustainability.
4.) Capacity building in technical maintenance and broadcast engineering to ensure durability of equipment investments.

Under the JICA–UNESCO project, significant milestones are underway. Renovation of Radio Stations in University of Juba, Wau, Terekeka, Yambio and Construction of Malakal station to improve access to reliable information. These intervention will strengthen community engagement, promote access to accurate information, and support peacebuilding and development efforts nationwide.

The meeting was attended by representatives from key government institutions, development partners, media stakeholders, and technical experts committed to advancing a resilient and sustainable media sector.

South Sudan Media Authority - MA

The Director General for Information and Media Compliance, Media Authority, Sapana Agyuli Abuyi, today delivered a presentation on Regulation, standards, and Media Responsibility during the ongoing workshop on Strategic Collaboration to Mitigate Hate Speech and Misinformation at the Juba Grand Hotel.

The three-day workshop, now in its second day, is organised by the Ministry of Peace Building with support from the African Union and the United Nations Development Programme.

In his remarks, Mr. Sapana Abuyi emphasized the importance of principled media regulation, adherence to professional standards, and addressing hate speech and misinformation, particularly in sensitive periods such as elections. he highlighted the need for transparency, proportional enforcement, and inclusive stakeholder collaboration to safeguard freedom of expression while protecting peace and social cohesion.

The workshop brings together government institutions, media practitioners, civil society actors, the security sector, and development partners to strengthen coordination, enhance capacity, and promote a unified response to harmful information that threatens democratic processes and national stability.

South Sudan Media Authority - MA
National Communication Authority - NCA
Union of Journalists of South Sudan
School of Journalism, Media and Communication Studies-SJMCS
Eye Radio
Hot in Juba

MEDIA AUTHORITY HOSTS UNIVERSITY OF JUBA JOURNALISM STUDENT

The Media Authority is hosting students from the School of Journalism, Media and Communication Studies, University of Juba for an academic study visit aimed at strengthening their practical understanding of media operations, ethics, and regulation.

The program officially opened with remarks from the Managing Director, Hon. Elijah Alier Kuai, who gave an overall overview of the Media Authority, its mandate, and its role in promoting a professional, responsible, and accountable media sector in South Sudan.

The Deputy Dean of the School, Ms. Delphina Roba, expressed appreciation to the Media Authority leadership for accepting the students and supporting academic institutions in nurturing future media professionals.

Speaking on behalf of the students, Atui John Malual, the student representative thanked the Media Authority for the warm reception, noting that the visit is helping bridge classroom learning with real world practice and information.

The Director General for Information and Media Compliance, Media Authority, Sapana Agyuli Abuyi, presented on media regulation, professional standards, accreditation processes, and the importance of ethical journalism.

South Sudan Media Authority - MA
National Communication Authority - NCA
Union of Journalists of South Sudan
Digital Rights Frontlines -DRF
Eye Radio
Hot in Juba
School of Journalism, Media and Communication Studies-SJMCS

Media Authority's Tribute on the Passing of Emmanuel Joseph Akile, a Remarkable Journalist from Eye Radio.

On behalf of the Media Authority, we extend our deepest condolences on the passing of Emmanuel Joseph Akile, a distinguished journalist from Eye Radio. His dedication to journalism in South Sudan has left a lasting impact on our nation's media landscape.

Emmanuel Joseph Akile was more than an accredited journalist serving the public interest. He was a patriot whose work went beyond the newsroom. His unwavering commitment to the media affirmed his role as a guardian of truth and an advocate for the people of South Sudan. Throughout his career, he earned respect not only within the media community but across the country for his integrity, professionalism, and passionate pursuit of truth.

His dedication was evident in every aspect of his work, from his tireless efforts on Eye Radio’s Dawn program to his persistent service under challenging conditions. As a journalist, he upheld the highest ethical standards, ensuring excellence and accuracy in the widely respected Dawn program, which became a trusted platform for dialogue and public engagement.

More than a voice on the airwaves, Emmanuel was a symbol of unity and peace. His journalism carried a clear message of reconciliation and social harmony. He consistently used his platform to promote peace and foster understanding among diverse communities, embodying the highest ideals of journalism as a public service dedicated to healing and nation-building.

His loss is deeply felt not only by his colleagues at Eye Radio but by all who believe in the power of media to bridge divides and promote unity.

May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may the values he stood for live on through those who continue to uplift South Sudan with truthful and compassionate journalism.

Elijah Alier Kuai
Managing Director
Media Authority
Republic of South Sudan, Juba

The National engagement concluded with the National Media Forum, held under the theme:

“Media Sustainability Beyond Donor Reliance.”

The forum finalized the broader conference process by shifting focus toward the long-term sustainability, independence, and resilience of the sector, recognizing its central role in peace building, accountability, and national development. During the forum, presentations examined the current media landscape in South Sudan, highlighting persistent challenges such as limited infrastructure, financial vulnerability, regulatory pressures, and the impact of rapid digitization and Artificial Intelligence.

The presenters emphasized the need for diversified revenue models, innovation, and strengthened institutional capacity to ensure the survival and credibility of media outlets beyond donor support.

Plenary discussion was conducted, and it enabled participants to openly engage in media regulation in the age of social media and AI, media professionalism, and the evolving relationship between media institutions, regulators, and audiences. Participants shared experiences, raised concerns about shrinking funding opportunities, and underscored the importance of collaboration, support policies, and public trust in sustaining the media sector.

Participants later formed working groups to deliberate on two key areas: The development of a media sustainability strategy and envisioning the future of media in South Sudan through innovative and forward-looking approaches.

The group discussions yield practical recommendations centered on digital transformation, audience-centered content, enhanced media management, capacity building, and a regulatory environment that fosters growth while upholding ethical standards.

South Sudan Media Authority - MA
JHR in South Sudan
National Communication Authority - NCA
Digital Rights Frontlines -DRF
Union of Journalists of South Sudan

Today at the Juba Grand Hotel, discussions on Combating Hate Speech and Strengthening Social Cohesion continued, under the theme:

“Beyond the Painful Divides”

As stakeholders from government, media, civil society, security institutions, and faith-based organizations engaged in meaningful plenary discussions, their reflections focused on how hate speech fuels violence and the role of media regulation.

Reporting on misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech was discussed through practical experiences shared by Achiro Josephine (AMDISS), Edmond Yakani (CEPO) and Maj. Gen. Monday Enocka, Police spokesperson. They shared practical challenges, accountability , mechanisms and collaborative approaches to counter harmful narratives.

Further discussions examined the Principles on Freedom of Expression, with a focus on inclusion and gender, presented by Hon. Angelo Sebith Gaetano

The day concluded with thematic group discussions moderated by Irene Ayaa and a final plenary facilitated by Zacharia Diing Akol and Michael Thon, focusing on strategies, a national action plan, and adoption of key resolutions.

South Sudan Media Authority - MA
JHR in South Sudan
National Communication Authority - NCA
Union of Journalists of South Sudan
Digital Rights Frontlines -DRF
Eye Radio

South Sudan Media Authority - MA, in partnership with JHR in South Sudan, organized a three-day National Conference on Combating Hate Speech and Strengthening Social Cohesion in South Sudan. under the theme:

"Beyond the Painful Divides."

The event has convened today, 16th December 2025, at the Juba Grand Hotel, and it's ongoing till Friday, 17th December 2025.

https://ssma.gov.ss/events/National%20Conference%20on%20Hate%20Speech%20and%20Strengthening%20Social%20Cohesion%20in%20South%20Sudan16

JHR in South Sudan
National Communication Authority - NCA
South Sudan Media Authority - MA
Eye Radio
Hot in Juba

Three-Day Media Workshop in Malakal, Upper Nile State.

The Media Authority, in partnership with JHR in South Sudan, organized the training, which focused on building a shared commitment to tackling misinformation, disinformation, and Hate Speech, the key drivers in the Upper Nile region.

Over the past three days, government officials, security sector representatives, civil society organizations, journalists, and media stakeholders in Malakal, Upper Nile State, gathered for a vital workshop aimed at strengthening collaboration and mutual understanding between the State authorities and the media, under the theme

"Promoting Understanding and collaboration between Security, State Authorities, and the media for a safe and Enabling Media Environment in Upper Nile State."

We were honored by the presence of Hon. Deng Joh Angok, the State Deputy Governor; Hon. Peter Ngwojo, the State Minister of Information and Communication, the State Commissioner Advisor, the Town Mayor, and the State judge. During their remarks, they underscored the importance of fostering open dialogue and acknowledged the challenges that the media and journalist faces in Malakal, Upper Nile State.

The participants engaged in constructive dialogue on transparency, accountability, and the essential role of independent media in promoting peace and stability. The workshop also enforced the importance of coordinated communication and enhanced trust between journalists and the state actors.


South Sudan Media Authority - MA
JHR in South Sudan
National Communication Authority - NCA
Union of Journalists of South Sudan
Eye Radio

On 6th November, 2025, at the welcoming ceremony of the New Minister of Information, Communication, Technology, and Postal Services, Hon. Ateny Wek Ateny outlined his nine-pillar action plan, prioritizing the expansion of internet pe*******on across South Sudan.

The outgoing Minister, Hon. Michael Makuei Lueth, now serving as Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, pledged to support his successor, especially in strengthening legal frameworks for effective policy implementation.

Guest of honor Hon. Tut Gatluak Manime, the Presidential Advisor on National Security, urged the new Minister to begin preparations for the upcoming general elections, emphasizing the need for nationwide voter sensitization.

The president of the South Sudan Union of Journalists, Oyet Patrick, praised the outgoing ICT Minister for the laws enacted during his tenure and encouraged the new Minister to use them to enhance revenue for the Ministry and the country.

During the inauguration of the new minister, a key project that is still in progress was mentioned, and that was the national data center and the World Bank-funded fiber optic cable linking South Sudan to Kenya, which the new minister will take up from where Hon. Michael Makuei left it.


South Sudan Media Authority - MA
JHR in South Sudan
National Communication Authority - NCA
Union of Journalists of South Sudan
Eye Radio

On the second and final day of the training on strengthening judicial capacity to handle misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech, participants held deep discussions on gendered mis/disinformation and the motivations behind it, led by Madam Mary Ajith.

Hon. Angelo Sebith Gaetano, General Legal Counsellor at the Ministry of Justice, focused on the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression adopted by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, helping participants understand regional standards for protecting expression while addressing online harms. This session was engaging, and it sparked strong interaction and practical reflection on legal responsibility.

Mr. Oliver Modi underscored the importance of coordinated work, stressing the need for a comprehensive legal and protection framework, effective resource allocation, multi-stakeholder partnerships, efforts to combat transnational threats, and building resilience in South Sudan’s information ecosystems.

The training ended with strong interaction, practical insights, and a renewed commitment to safeguarding truth, justice, and responsible communication.


South Sudan Media Authority - MA
JHR in South Sudan
National Communication Authority - NCA
Union of Journalists of South Sudan
Eye Radio