The Association for Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS) is hosting a national consultative workshop in Juba to discuss media self-regulation, ethical journalism, and professional accountability. The meeting, organised by the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS), has brought together key stakeholders from the media sector, including the South Sudan Media Authority and media advocacy organisations.
The consultation aims to strengthen professional standards and promote responsible journalism in South Sudan. According to AMDISS, discussions will focus on how journalists and media institutions can improve ethical practices while maintaining their professional independence. This comes at a time when questions surrounding media freedom, regulation, and journalists’ professional responsibilities remain important issues in South Sudan.
The South Sudan Media Authority says its mandate includes promoting ethical and professional standards, protecting freedom of expression, and regulating the media industry. In 2025, the Authority launched a journalists’ Code of Conduct with UNESCO support, emphasising principles including accuracy, fairness, independence, privacy, professionalism, and integrity. The Code provides a framework for professional journalism and responsible reporting.
The latest consultation follows an agreement between AMDISS and the Media Authority to strengthen dialogue and cooperation on challenges affecting the media sector ahead of anticipated elections. The two institutions identified issues including access to information, journalists’ safety, and the operating environment for media houses.
Media self-regulation is significant because it encourages journalists and media organisations to take responsibility for their professional conduct rather than relying exclusively on government regulation. Stakeholders say stronger professional accountability could help improve public trust while protecting press freedom and responsible journalism.
The national consultation has brought together media houses, journalists, and key stakeholders to discuss the way forward for media self-regulation in South Sudan. The event is expected to yield positive outcomes for the country's media sector, promoting a culture of responsible journalism and professional accountability.
The outcomes of the consultation will likely have a lasting impact on the country's media landscape, shaping the future of journalism in South Sudan. By working together, stakeholders aim to create a more professional and responsible media sector that serves the needs of the South Sudanese people.
Key points
- The Association for Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS) is hosting a national consultative workshop to discuss media self-regulation and professional accountability.
- The South Sudan Media Authority launched a journalists’ Code of Conduct in 2025 to promote ethical and professional standards.
- Media self-regulation aims to encourage journalists to take responsibility for their professional conduct, promoting public trust and press freedom.
