Eye Radio has launched the first Eye Radio repeater station in Torit, Eastern Equatoria. The transmitter is providing broadcasts to nearly 100,000 listeners in the state.

The launch of this transmitter is part of the expansion of Eye Radio broadcasts to all the ten state capitals to provide independent and objective news and information.

The Director for Eye Radio, Koang Pal Chang, says the main challenges include the current conflict and limited freedom of media.

“But these will not stop us from doing our job,” Mr Koang said during the launch.

“I call on the government to ensure that freedom of expression enshrined in our constitution is respected. And it is only through the media that the public will understand its policy.”

On his part, the minister of information in Eastern Equatoria says Eye Radio will provide a platform for civic education on the constitution and different awareness programs.

Mark Arkio says the state government will ensure that freedom of media is protected:

“Eye Radio is saying it is an eye to look at both bad and good things. I am sure, in Eastern Equatoria, you will see good things most of the time. You will not see encroachment into the rights of people. You will not see harassment of people. You will not see harassment of journalists. You will see Eastern Equatoria always speaking good things.”

The launch is a partnership between Eye Media, the mother company of Eye Radio, and Zain telecommunication company.

Eye Media is supported by the USAID.

The ceremony was attended by USAID Mission Director, the State Minister of Information and other dignitaries.