(JUBA) – The Ministry of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services (MoICTPS) has begun discussions on introducing a licensing system for radio and television stations to support its growing operational and salary costs.
The proposal which was tabled during the Ministry’s 12th leadership meeting held on Thursday aims to improve the sustainability of the country’s key media institutions.
The meeting chaired by Minister Michael Makuei Lueth included a presentation by Professor John Akec Apuruot, the Chairman of the Board of Directors at the National Communication Authority (NCA). He shared a concept note outlining a possible framework for raising revenue through broadcast licensing. The suggested measures come at a time when the Ministry and its affiliated parastatals are reportedly struggling to meet financial obligations.
James Magok Chilim, Managing Director of the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), welcomed the idea, saying that such a system would help relieve the budget constraints currently affecting operations across several media institutions. He explained that without adequate revenue collection mechanisms, institutions such as the NCA, Media Authority, SSBC, and the Access to Information Department have been unable to effectively carry out their duties.
Chilim added that the new licensing and taxation model would help ensure that media bodies under the ministry’s oversight can function reliably, pay their staff, and maintain equipment.
The exact cost of the proposed licence fees has not been disclosed, but even modest licence fees could generate significant revenue.
The introduction of licensing is expected to generate debate among media stakeholders and press freedom advocates, particularly around how the process will be implemented and whether it could be used to limit media independence. However, Ministry officials have argued that the proposal is rooted in financial necessity rather than political control.
South Sudan’s media sector faces several operational challenges including outdated infrastructure, limited training opportunities and inconsistent funding. The SSBC and other parastatal bodies rely heavily on government support, which is often delayed or insufficient due to wider economic constraints.
The leadership of the Ministry hopes that licensing will not only address short term funding needs but also encourage more accountability and regulation in the broadcast industry.
While the proposal is still at the discussion stage, further consultations with media houses and civil society organisations are expected.
