The South Sudan Media Authority, an institution responsible for regulating the media in the country, on Tuesday launched a code of conduct for the practice of journalism.
Speaking to journalists during the ceremony, the deputy minister of information, telecommunications, and postal services, Baba Medan Konyi, said the code of conduct will guide journalists in their work.
“Today you have a road map of guidelines for you to do your duty. So, if you just give yourself one day to go through it, you will understand what is inside the document and you will be able to work according to this guideline,” Deputy minister Konyi said. “Here on behalf of honorable Michael Makuei Lueth and my behalf, I want to announce the official launching of this code of conduct as of now.”
Speaking at the function, the Media Authority managing director, Elijah Alier Kuai, urged the government and media practitioners to help in disseminating the media code of ethics across the country.
“The Media Authority appeals to the government and partners to support the dissemination of this code of conduct for the practice of journalism in the Republic of South Sudan through the Union of Journalists and media advocacy groups and associations to promote ethical standards,” Alier said.
He congratulated local journalists, lawyers, and media stakeholders for participating in the development of the media code of conduct.
The Chairperson of the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS), Oliver Modi, said the code of conduct will enable journalists to act professionally.
“First it guides the journalists to work with objectivity, professionalism, responsibility and above all to work within the context of the law because the code of conduct and ethics is a gateway for journalists to respect the rule of law,” Modi said. “Meaning journalists are now prevented from making mistakes through the availability of this document. Secondly, it encourages the journalists to be courageous and fearless to tell the truths.”
The code of conduct was validated in November last year to guide the practice of journalism in the country per media laws.