Media leaders in South Sudan have asked the government to reopen the unilaterally closed down radio station and to reconsider the manner in which it handles press and freedom matters in the country, saying unilateral decision undermines participatory dialogue.
Alfred Taban, chairperson of the Association for Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS), said Wednesday his organization has been in talks with the authorities involved in the decision behind the order to close down Eye radio.
“We are talking with the authorities. We tell them, look, if you do it this way, it hurts us and denies the society the right to information and we will not move forward. So we have asked them to accept dialogue and to reconsider their decision to reopen the station. Closing it down indefinitely is not the best way”, said Alfred when reached on Wednesday.
Meanwhile the head of the union of Journalists in South Sudan said his administration was also talking to the authorities to allow the station resume.
“We’ve asked the ministry of information to consult with security personnel, as well as talk to the mainstream media members, and look at the implications for closing down a media house around what the policy should be as well as what’s happening in other jurisdictions,” said Oliver Modi.
He continued “We’ve not heard any feedback from the authorities and other institutions with connection to the media industry in the country over the course of the past two days. Oliver said media operates within the parameters of the law and regulations.
“We have a code of ethics which talks about integrity, truthfulness, fairness, respecting people’s privacy. “Our feeling is if you follow the code and conduct yourself in a professional way, you should be allowed to tell your story.”