The training is part of ongoing efforts to improve the professional capacity of journalists in South Sudan, especially in regions like Yei, where access to reliable and balanced information is crucial for development, peacebuilding, and community trust./Photo: James Innocent
(Yei) – Fourteen journalists from across the Greater Yei region have begun a five day intensive training on ethical journalism, aiming to improve the accuracy, fairness, and professionalism of local reporting in Central Equatoria State.
The training is taking place in Yei town and is organized by the Central Equatoria branch of the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS). The program is supported and funded by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The participants drawn from radio stations in Yei River County, Lainya, Morobo and Kajo-Keji are being trained as trainers of trainees (ToTs). The goal is for them to share their new knowledge with fellow journalists in their respective counties.
Isaac Metayo, an official from the Yei County Information Department, addressed the participants during the opening of the workshop. He urged them to take the training seriously and to apply the principles of ethical journalism in their daily reporting.
“Journalism is important, but it comes with many challenges,” Metayo said. “We call on you to fully participate and practice the knowledge gained with professionalism.”
He noted that many journalists in the Greater Yei region lack foundational skills in ethical reporting and factual journalism. He encouraged continued support from media development partners to strengthen the capacity of reporters, especially in rural and post-conflict areas.
Metayo also raised concern over the low number of women working in media in the region. He said the lack of female representation risks silencing women’s voices in public discourse and called for greater inclusion of female journalists.
“I call for more inclusion of female journalists in Yei, but many women have been discouraged due to the current economic situation affecting all sectors of service delivery,” he explained.
Buga Alex, the UJOSS coordinator for Central Equatoria State, welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of the training in raising journalism standards. He said the program would help reporters improve the quality and reliability of news shared with the public.
“We expect all participants to engage actively and return to their stations with fresh knowledge and practical skills in journalism,” Buga said.
He also expressed appreciation for local authorities, crediting them for creating a supportive environment for media workers in Yei. Buga pointed out that since taking office, no journalist had been detained by security forces in the region.
“This shows that journalists are adhering to the ethical standards of their profession while carrying out their duties,” he said.
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