Mapping the Void: A State-by-State Media Assessment Report on South Sudan and Selected Northern States

This 84-page study, published by The Consortium on Promoting Freedom of Expression and Civil Society Involvement in Developing of Democratic Media Legislation in Sudan, assesses the status of South Sudanese media, including print, electronic, video halls, and other sources of reading, viewing, and listening material. It addresses both the practical and the legislative situation for journalism in the country and finds evidence of what the authors call a "news and information vacuum".

Research was conducted via site visits and group interviews with: key media stakeholders; state, private, community, and faith-based media organisations; and media training institutions in 14 of the 25 Sudanese states. Researchers found that, in general, the Ministry of Information does not have adequate financial, professional, and technical capacity to share information with or provide it to public service media providers in the individual states. Researchers also found a lack of resources for private and community media outlets and initiatives, resulting in a virtual monopoly of the state over broadcast media.

Site visits revealed a somewhat paradoxical situation on the ground: Where there was motivation to produce/disseminate media, there were no funds and/or facilities. Where there were funds and/or facilities, there was either no manpower or little motivation. In addition, where efforts for media development were present, lack of sensitisation around freedom of expression and the right to information accorded by the recent peace agreement hinder progress, with some staff discouraging liberalism for fear of reprisal, as was the norm before peace. This situation is causing a news and information void that, according to the authors, threatens freedom of expression and, by extension, democracy and good governance in Sudan.

The report describes a virtual monopoly of the State over broadcast media; harassment of journalists; self-censorship; a void in the professional, language, and technical capacity of media practitioners; severe budgetary constraints experienced by media institutions; and poor communication and support from the central information ministries to state ministries. The report states that the resulting news and information vacuum threatens the rights to freedom of expression and information - and, by extension, democracy and good governance - for the people of South Sudan at a critical juncture in the post Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) period.

The report seeks to alert the government, media, and donors to the perilous state of the media outside of Khartoum and Juba, and calls for a comprehensive strategy and urgent action to address the void. The study recommends improved linkage and association between the states and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to ensure that states conform to international best practice standards. It urges that issues of freedom of expression be addressed. Capacity building and skills upgrading for media professionals in the states are also recommended to ensure sustainability, enhancement, and development of media in South Sudan. The study also notes the importance of professional association building and the improvement of networking and management skills. In addition, financial resources are urgently needed. The authors propose coordinated and structured international support, as the government of South Sudan does not have the capacity to meet the financial needs of its public broadcasting institutions.