The new director of the Association of Media Development in South Sudan AMDISS has vowed to improve professionalism on how the media works in the country.
Mary Ajith who doubles as the director of the Catholic Radio Network CRN was appointed in the Association’s general meeting in Juba on Wednesday.
She said journalists must practice their profession responsibly in the interest of the public.
‘What I am bringing is that, we have to be professional from the beginning. As journalists, we have a responsibility and a duty to our society. To inform and educate them. Now my first assignment is to ensure that trainings are not just workshops, but as professional courses. So those who are willing should go to the Media Development Institute MDI for the next intake’.
She further noted that the issue of media outreach to let the public know about their role in society will be a priority.
‘The issue of public outreach, will be taken seriously because we want the public to know what media is. At some point, journalists have been harassed because the people don’t know the role of the media. Another issue we are bringing in is engagement. We don’t want confrontation with the public or the government. But we want to engage with them’.
The AMDISS new director further stresses the challenges facing female journalists in a profession that is dominated by men.
‘Female journalists normally experience intimidation, it seems like journalism is a career for men alone. We have those who are harassed, those who are threatened but they always keep quiet. Simply because their fear is if their families know about the issues they face in the field, they will not continue their practice’.
Mary Ajith urged news agencies to treat their staff equally irrespective of gender or sex. She also thanked her colleagues for believing in her as their new head promising to serve them to the best ofher ability.