Internews radio network most important information source in South Sudan - report

A network of FM radio stations in South Sudan established and supported by Internews are the most important sources of information in their communities, according to a new research report. Internews commissioned an extensive impact assessment of its five radio stations: in Malualkon in Northern Bahr el Ghazal; Leer in Unity State; and Turalei in Warrap which broadcasts into the disputed region of Abyei. Two other stations are in the transitional areas of Kauda, in the Nuba Mountains of Southern Kordofan and Kurmuk in Blue Nile State. The network has an estimated audience reach of 1.7 million listeners.

The radio stations, staffed by Sudanese journalists trained by Internews, broadcast a variety of news, information, and music programming in local languages for an average of eight hours a day. The impact assessment found across all sites and all demographic groups the Internews FM community station was overwhelmingly cited as the most important information source. Listeners reported the stations have had a substantial and meaningful impact, catalyzing community participation in political processes and promoting more open and inclusive attitudes, which has helped to mitigate conflict.

Listeners at multiple sites identified their local Internews radio station as a primary source of information about political processes and a means of connecting with the political process. This included understanding of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, the January 2011 referendum, local and state elections and progress towards popular consultation in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile.

The stations are also recognized as representing an open forum for dialogue and debate at the local level, with access for members of government, civil society organizations and the public. More than 80% of respondents said their local community station was central in facilitating interaction between the political leadership and their community.

Communities also directly attribute to their local station important social changes. Radio programmes are said to have encouraged parents to educate their girl children and contributed to debate on ending harmful traditional practices. Internews radio stations are credited as for the first time giving women a voice and celebrating local culture and language.

Across all sites, almost 85 per cent of all listeners attributed behaviour change towards women and girls to their community radio station. More than 96% reported they were better able to make decisions that protect their health and the health of their family, as a result of information they heard on the radio

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The stations also play an important role in conflict mitigation. More than 90% of respondents ‘strongly agreed’ or ‘agreed’ that the Internews stations had helped them become more tolerant of cultural differences.

Internews’ project “Radio for Peace, Democracy and Development in South Sudan,” began in 2006 and is made possible by a grant from the United States Agency for International Development.

(Source: Internews via Media Network Weblog)

• Read the full report (PDF)