UJOSS Recognized for Excellence in Media Capacity Building, Says Regulatory Body
Participants, including journalists and members of civil society organizations (CSOs), posed for a group photo with Sabana Abui from the Media Authority (M). Photo by John Agok.
By John Agok
The Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) has been acclaimed for its leading role in enhancing media capacity in the country, following a two-day training session held in collaboration with the Norwegian People Aid (NPA) in Juba. The event drew over 30 participants, including journalists, civil society organization members, and representatives from faith-based groups, under the theme: “Promoting Ethical Reporting and Advocacy in Strengthening Democracy.”
During the opening remarks, Sabana Abui, the Director of Communication and Media Compliance at the Media Authority, praised UJOSS for being at the forefront of media capacity building last year in 2024. He highlighted the organization’s commitment to mentoring media trainers and supporting democratic media development in South Sudan.
Abui emphasized the importance of adhering to media laws that empower institutions to cultivate sustainable media professionals. “In an era dominated by digital misinformation, it is vital for mainstream media to verify information before public dissemination. Professional reporting will enhance the media landscape and mitigate the negative impact of social media, which often lacks objectivity,” he stated.
He further added, “As a regulatory body, we are committed to empowering media organizations to enhance the capacity of professionals and hold duty bearers accountable, as mandated by sections 21(6) and 25(4e) of the media laws. The Media Authority will continue to ensure the safety and protection of journalists while upholding ethical standards in their reporting.”
Both Majak Kuany Alier, the UJOSS Secretary General, and Joyce Maker, a representative of the NPA, emphasized the need for all stakeholders to embrace ethical standards. They urged journalists and civil society groups to find a balance between objectivity and advocacy in their work. The establishment of a female journalists’ network was also encouraged, with calls for members to engage in mentorship programs at the grassroots level.
The training aimed to promote professionalism and support pluralistic media development in South Sudan, underlining the critical role of ethical standards in the industry.
