By Sabri Dibaco
The Association for Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS) has called for urgent dialogue with the South Sudan Media Authority over a directive requiring media organisations to renew their expired operational licenses within one month.
In a statement issued on Friday, AMDISS said the directive affects a wide range of media organisations, including radio stations, newspapers, magazines, television and satellite broadcasters, media advocacy groups, and online media outlets.
While acknowledging the regulatory mandate of the Media Authority, AMDISS expressed concern that the one-month deadline may be difficult for many media organisations to meet because of financial and administrative challenges.
“A one-month period is insufficient for media houses to mobilise the necessary resources and fulfill the administrative requirements to comply with this directive,” AMDISS said in a statement.
The media development organisation said many media outlets across the country are already operating under significant financial and resource constraints.
AMDISS warned that enforcing the short deadline could result in some media organisations failing to renew their licenses, potentially affecting access to information for the public.
“Imposing such a short timeframe risks the closure of vital information channels, thereby limiting public access to information and stifling the growth of a free and vibrant press,” the statement continued.
AMDISS is calling for an immediate meeting between the Media Authority and representatives of media houses to discuss the challenges surrounding the licensing renewal process.
The organisation said dialogue would help identify the reasons some media outlets have been unable to renew their licenses on time and allow stakeholders to develop practical solutions.
“AMDISS calls for an immediate, open dialogue between the Media Authority and representatives of media houses,” the statement said.
According to AMDISS, such consultation would provide an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss the obstacles facing media organisations and agree on a sustainable way forward.
The organisation further urged the authorities to adopt a collaborative approach instead of relying on what it described as an ultimatum.
“We believe that a collaborative approach, rather than an ultimatum, is the most effective way to uphold professional standards while fostering a sustainable media environment in South Sudan,” AMDISS said.
AMDISS said the current licensing requirements come at a time when media organisations are facing significant financial pressures, which have affected their ability to sustain operations.
The organisation argued that any regulatory process should take into account the operating realities of media houses while ensuring compliance with the law.
AMDISS reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for a media environment that supports responsible journalism and recognises the role of the media in national development.
“AMDISS remains committed to advocating for an environment that supports responsible journalism and the essential role of media in our nation’s development,” said AMDISS.
The latest statement comes amid ongoing efforts by the South Sudan Media Authority to regulate media operations and ensure that media organisations comply with licensing requirements.
AMDISS says it recognises the authority’s regulatory role but is urging the Media Authority to engage media organisations in finding practical and sustainable solutions to licensing challenges.
The organisation is now calling for an urgent consultation to prevent the possible closure of media outlets and ensure continued public access to information.