(JUBA) – South Sudanese editors have raised concerns over the growing challenges in the country’s media industry, pointing to low pay, lack of training and an economic downturn that is pushing experienced journalists to leave the profession.
The matter was raised on Friday during a National Editors’ Forum breakfast meeting in Juba, where senior media professionals warned that the sector risks losing its quality if the current situation is not addressed.
Doga Morris, former editor of No. 1 Citizen Daily Newspaper, said many newsrooms are finding it difficult to keep skilled staff. According to him, journalists are increasingly moving to higher paying jobs with non governmental organisations and international media.
“Most editors have left the profession,” Morris said. “They are moving to NGOs and international outlets because of the economic crisis. This has created a serious gap in newsrooms, where inexperienced staff are now leading operations.”
He added that the problem worsened after the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) withdrew funding that had supported several local media outlets through partner institutions. Without this support, young journalists with less than two years of experience are being promoted into editorial positions.
At the same meeting, Pout Tot, editor of Salam Radio in Maban, explained that the economic crisis has left many media houses unable to organise training for their teams.
“We sometimes depend on volunteers because journalists are not being paid,” he said. “People want to serve the public, but they need proper training to do it effectively.” Tot called on the National Editors’ Forum to extend training opportunities to journalists in remote areas, where access remains limited.
Chandok Stephen, station manager at Kondial FM in Unity State, raised the issue of poor infrastructure and equipment. “Many radio stations are running with only one or two staff members. Reporters lack basic tools such as computers and recorders. This makes the work extremely challenging,” he said.
Irene Ayaa, director of the Association for Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS), stressed the importance of supporting editors in particular.
“Editors are gatekeepers who ensure quality and accuracy in content. But they cannot do their jobs well if they are not trained.”
Ayaa expressed concern over the departure of senior editors and the rising number of untrained newcomers but added that new entrants show strong enthusiasm.
“While the new journalists may lack experience, they are eager to learn. It is our shared duty to build their skills and close the gap.”
She also welcomed ongoing efforts by the National Editors’ Forum to partner with the Female Journalists Network to promote gender equality in newsroom leadership.
“This is an important step toward having more women in editorial roles,” she noted.
If not addressed, the departure of experienced editors may further weaken the quality of news and limit the role of the press in holding institutions accountable.
Summary of Challenges Facing South Sudan’s Media Sector
| Challenge | Description | Reported by | Suggested Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economic crisis | Journalists leaving for NGOs and international outlets due to poor conditions | Doga Morris (Former Editor, No.1 Citizen) | Review media sustainability and support mechanisms |
| Loss of donor funding | End of USAID support worsened newsroom staffing gaps | Doga Morris | Seek new funding partnerships |
| Lack of training | Young, inexperienced editors replacing seniors | Multiple editors | Expand training through Editors’ Forum and AMDISS |
| Reliance on volunteers | Journalists unpaid, affecting quality of reporting | Pout Tot (Salam Radio, Maban) | Provide stipends and training |
| Inadequate equipment | Many radio stations lack computers and recorders | Chandok Stephen (Kondial FM, Unity State) | Supply basic tools for reporters |
| Gender imbalance | Few women in editorial roles | Irene Ayaa (AMDISS) | Promote gender equality through partnerships |
