National Editors’ Forum is appealing to news editors to practice ‘responsible journalism’.
The call comes amid claims that unnamed media outlets are publishing or airing divisive and malicious statements.
In a press release, the forums’ Chairman Koang Pal said they’re ‘disturbed and unhappy with some editors who are publishing articles that are full of hate messages. It’s a shame’.
“The National Editors’ Forum calls on all editors to be gatekeepers and avoid supporting divisive politics. The current conflict has already killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions. Editors should be committed to serving the public interest,” said Mr Pal.
“The editors’ forum is appealing to editors to stop publishing articles or broadcasting materials that contain hate speeches or messages and opinion that are fueling ethnic tension in the country.”
The political disagreement among SPLM leaders has polarized the country. This has caused the country thousands of lives. The media body says professional journalism is key to peace in the country.
“For this country to realize peace, editors must rise above their communities or regional interests and adhere to journalistic code of ethic that promotes professional journalism,” he continued.
Meanwhile, the forum congratulated the people of South Sudan for marking the 4th anniversary of independence yesterday.
“Some of us are IDPs or refugees; some support the government or opposition. But July 9 is an important day for all of us. We struggled for our freedom and we paid a price, 2 million South Sudanese lost their lives in the independence movement.”
Over 5,000 people gathered at John Garang Memorial yesterday to mark the ceremony presided over by President Kiir.
Founded in 2014 by editors from independent media institutions, the National Editors’ Forum (NEF) is committed to championing South Sudan’s hard-won freedom of expression and promoting equality, ethics and diversity in the media of South Sudan.