U.S. announces $12 million package to support independent media in South Sudan

JUBA – The United States government has announced an aid package of $12 million to support independent media in South Sudan.

The three-year project will improve access to credible, accurate, and reliable information for South Sudanese citizens by promoting the sustainability of high-quality, independent radio operations, according to a statement extended to Sudans Post by the US embassy on Sunday.

“The new Sustainable Independent Media Activity will improve access to credible, accurate, and reliable information for South Sudanese citizens by promoting the sustainability of high quality, independent radio operations,” the statement said..

The aid will be implemented by PACT and subcontractor IREX and other partners, according to the statement.

“It will provide citizens with a platform to encourage a more responsive government for South Sudanese citizens by improving access to credible, accurate, and reliable information; promoting financial, institutional, and social sustainability; and investing in high-quality, credible journalism,” it added.

The aid aims of the U.S support are also financial, institutional, and social sustainability; and investing in high-quality, credible journalism.

“The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has signed a three-year, $12 million agreement with Pact Inc. to continue the U.S. Government’s long-standing support for independent media in South Sudan and the disputed Abyei Area on the South Sudan-Sudan border, as an essential element of democracy,” it said.

The aid will help citizens to have accessible sources of information in South Sudan, although some areas, including Unity and the Upper Nile States, have lower rates of access to radio than other areas.

“The Sustainable Independent Media Activity will build on the accomplishments of USAID’s 2013-22 i-STREAM activity implemented by Internews, which built sustainable independent radio in South Sudan, and improved media content and professionalism of community radio stations.”