AMDISS Urges Donors, Government to Support Media Sustainability in South Sudan

(JUBA) – The Executive Director of the Association for Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS) has called on donor agencies and government institutions to provide financial, technical and in-kind support to independent and community media organizations across South Sudan.

The media advocacy group says many outlets are struggling to sustain operations due to the country’s ongoing economic and political challenges.

Speaking to Access Radio on the sidelines of a media leaders’ forum in Juba on Wednesday, AMDISS Executive Director Irene Aya emphasized the need for targeted support to strengthen the media sector ahead of the country’s anticipated first elections.

Aya urged the government to ease operational burdens on media houses, particularly by reducing licensing and frequency fees.

“Leaders of media houses have been struggling and doing their best. At this time, the support we request from the government is to reduce fees for operational and frequency licenses. If we need to support the media ahead of the coming elections, then the media needs a favorable environment for sustainability,” she said.

She also appealed to development partners to prioritize long-term sustainability by investing in infrastructure and technical capacity.

“Support from donors should focus on sustainability. Many media houses rely on generators, which is not sustainable due to fuel costs. Others lack infrastructure such as office space and essential equipment like recorders and cameras needed for accurate and timely reporting,” Aya added.

Aya further encouraged media organizations to foster unity and collaboration in order to build a stronger and more resilient media landscape in the country.

The media leaders’ forum brought together at least 25 participants from across the country. Held at Crown Hotel, the event was organized by AMDISS with support from Norwegian People’s Aid.

The forum was held under the theme, “Sustaining independent media in times of political and economic difficulties,” and focused on media sustainability, governance, and strategies to ensure the continued operation of independent media amid current economic challenges.