The Association for Media Development in South Sudan has brought together editors and station managers for a high-level Media Leadership Forum to address growing concerns over the sustainability of independent media in South Sudan.
The one-day forum, held on Wednesday, 15 April 2026, in Juba, was organized with support from Norwegian People’s Aid under the theme: “Sustaining Independent Media in Times of Political and Economic Difficulties.”
The meeting brought together at least 25 media managers who engaged in discussions on governance, resilience strategies, and practical approaches to ensure the continued operation of independent media outlets amid economic pressures.
Chairperson of AMDISS, Chris Marol, described the forum as a timely platform for reflection and collaboration within the media sector.
“Working together as a team strengthens our ability to overcome the challenges faced by individual media houses,” he said. “With elections scheduled for December 2026, it is pivotal to ensure that journalists have the tools and resources needed to report accurately, fairly, and impartially.”
He stressed that access to reliable information will be critical in ensuring credible elections, noting that both rural and urban populations must be empowered to make informed decisions.
Participants also emphasized the importance of strengthening institutional capacity, improving governance structures, and safeguarding editorial independence in an increasingly constrained operating environment.
AMDISS, with continued support from partners such as Norwegian People’s Aid, reaffirmed its commitment to building the capacity of journalists and media institutions. The organization aims to promote responsible reporting, protect freedom of expression, and enhance the role of media in democratic processes.
The forum comes at a critical time as the country prepares for its upcoming elections, with stakeholders underscoring the need for a strong, independent media sector to support transparency and accountability.