Media houses operating in Juba were urged to practice responsible journalism during the critical period leading to the referendum and register if they did not so yet.
The Undersecretary with GoSS Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, George Garang Deng, met today with representatives of public and independent media outlets to discuss their role during the preparation for the referendum.Mr. Garang told the press that the meeting meant to charter the way forward for the media during the critical period before the popular consultation.
He added that the government was committed to ensure press freedom and did not want to control what newspapers, radio and TV broadcast.
Mr. Garang said the media should foster harmony among people in South Sudan and asked them to practice responsible journalism.
He acknowledged that the media played a big role in the development of South Sudan and the media and the government worked together for the common good.
Mr. Garang lamented that the media laws were not tabled yet at the Legislative assembly, adding that the delay was not the fault of his ministry but due to some omissions in the bills that had to be addressed.