The Role of Media in Covering and Reporting on Conflicts and Peace Agreements in South Sudan: A Case study of Newspapers in Juba
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47941/jcomm.2750Keywords:
Conflicts, Peace agreements, Peace Journalism, Gatekeeping, Agenda SettingAbstract
Purpose: This Research focuses on the role of media in covering and reporting conflicts and peace agreements in the Republic of South Sudan, a case study of newspapers in Juba.
Methodology: Through content analysis, the study examined four daily English newspapers operating in Juba from January to August 2022. The content examined in this research focused on news headlines, opinion articles, editorials, and feature stories on peace agreements and conflicts. The newspapers studied are the Dawn newspaper, Juba Monitor, Number One newspaper, and City Review newspaper. The content analysed by various newspapers includes their differences, characteristics in terms of publications and circulation, and audience reach within Juba. Research examined the media's role in coverage and reports on peace agreements and conflicts, the impacts of the media, and the ethical challenges the media houses faced in South Sudan. The study reviewed theoretical literature on the fundamental media, conflicts, and peace journalism debates. Key thematic areas, especially theories, were studied. The study gave the overall background of media operations, pitfalls, and a way forward.
Findings: The study's findings suggest that newspaper institutions in South Sudan have different characteristics in terms of coverage, ownership, content, editorial policies, and in-house policies regarding the underlying issues they face in the nation. The findings also suggest that government officials who own specific newspapers have greater influence on news content and other stories. The study concluded that the government should not interfere with media houses' operations, and should at all costs permit print media to operate hundred % without interference, sabotage, or surveillance.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Article 24 of the transitional constitution of South Sudan must be implemented as stipulated, in letter and spirit. The study recommends that peace and conflict journalism modules should be initiated and included in higher institutions. Moreover, lastly, the laws on the media should be enacted to protect media houses and journalists, particularly in locations where journalists cover sensitive cases.
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