A community forum aimed at enhancing public trust in the media and addressing misinformation took place in Juba, South Sudan, on Saturday. The event, organised by the Association for Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS) with support from Norwegian People's Aid (NPA), brought together over 500 residents of Gurei, including women, men, young people, traditional and community leaders, opinion leaders, and journalists.
The forum featured live performances, including a dance display by the Ranger Dancing Group, and concluded with the distribution of radio sets to some community members to improve access to news and information. Discussions focused on the role of the media in providing reliable information, promoting understanding of civic and electoral issues, and distinguishing professional journalism from unverified content on social media.
Community leaders highlighted the challenges posed by the growing use of social media, which has made it difficult for some people to distinguish between verified news and unconfirmed information. Mary Meling, a member of the Gurei Quarter Council, emphasised the need for greater interaction between journalists and communities to build public understanding of the media and its workings.
Speakers at the forum, including Maya Nemaya, chief executive officer of Advance Media, and James Madrama, a presenter on Eye Radio's Sundown programme, urged residents to verify information before believing or sharing it. They warned that misinformation and disinformation could contribute to tensions and divisions within communities, particularly when false or misleading claims spread quickly on social media.
Joyce Maker, NPA's media rights officer, highlighted the importance of dialogue between journalists and communities in strengthening understanding and trust. She noted that a trusted and responsible media could contribute to public participation and social cohesion. Ayaa Irene Lokang, director of AMDISS, said feedback from the forum would be used to inform future programming and ensure that radio programming is inclusive and in line with audience expectations.
The forum provided a platform for residents to engage directly with journalists and express their expectations. It also offered an opportunity for journalists to learn more about the needs and concerns of their audience. The event was seen as a step towards building trust between communities and journalists, which is essential for promoting informed decision-making and peaceful coexistence.
The collaboration between AMDISS and NPA aims to promote a well-informed public discourse ahead of the country's planned general elections in December. By supporting initiatives that foster dialogue and trust between journalists and communities, organisations like NPA and AMDISS are contributing to the development of a responsible and inclusive media landscape in South Sudan.
Key points
- The forum was attended by over 500 residents of Gurei, including women, men, young people, traditional and community leaders, opinion leaders, and journalists.
- The event featured live performances and the distribution of radio sets to improve access to news and information.
- Speakers emphasised the importance of verifying information and distinguishing professional journalism from unverified content on social media.
