Community Media Plays Critical Role in South Sudan, Says Official

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) -An official from the Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) in South Sudan has emphasized the vital role of community media in promoting peace, accountability, and social cohesion across the country.

Jacob Atem made the remarks while addressing journalists from Access Radio on Tuesday during a two-day mentorship program in Yei River County. The training focuses on strengthening community media, combating hate speech and misinformation, and promoting conflict-sensitive and gender-inclusive reporting.

Atem noted that the role of the media is especially important at this time due to its diversity and influence in shaping public opinion.

“Your role as media can provide checks, build peace, and foster reconciliation within communities. That is why mentorship for media personnel is so important,” he said.

Meanwhile, Paul Jimbo, Senior Media Trainer for the Community Media Network (COMNET) South Sudan, said the initiative aims to support the community-based radio station Access FM 88.8 Yei in improving professional standards. He added that the training covers program production, content development, and ethical journalism practices.

Johnson Poru Hillary, the station manager of Access FM 88.8 Yei, welcomed the initiative, noting that it comes at a critical time.

“I want to thank Community Media Network South Sudan for choosing Access Radio for this in-house mentorship and training, which has come at the right time when Yei is facing many challenges, especially as the whole country is experiencing hate speech,” he said.

The two-day mentorship program, which began on Tuesday, is set to conclude on Wednesday. It is supported by Norwegian People’s Aid and targets community-based radio stations across the country.