Author: Emmanuel J. Akile | Published: 50 minutes ago
Photo|By Koang Pal Chang
Eye Radio and the Dutch Embassy in Juba have successfully concluded a six-month partnership worth $187,957, aimed at strengthening independent journalism and promoting freedom of expression in South Sudan.
The agreement, signed on 30 May 2025 by Eye Media CEO Stephen Omiri and Dutch Ambassador Paul Tholen, ran from 1 June to 30 November 2025 under the initiative titled “Boosting Independent Journalism and Promoting Freedom of Speech in South Sudan.”
The funding came at a critical time, as Eye Radio had been operating with volunteers for the past five months following the loss of US government support in January 2025 due to a global pause on foreign assistance.
Speaking at the project’s close-out event in Juba yesterday, Ambassador Tholen emphasized the importance of independent media in South Sudan. “When we decided in June to provide bridge funding to Eye Radio, we did that for a particular purpose,” he said.
“It was extremely important that Eye Radio continue its work providing objective information so that South Sudanese citizens could form independent opinions and express themselves freely, including through voting.”
Eye Media CEO Stephen Omiri highlighted the impact of the Dutch funding on the station and its journalists.
“For many years, our funding came from the US government. When that stopped, I was deeply concerned about the future of independent media in South Sudan,” Omiri said.
“The bridge funding from the Dutch Embassy has stabilized our operations, strengthened our newsrooms, and amplified civic engagement across communities.”
The event was held under the theme: “Sustaining Credible Information: The Future of Independent Media in South Sudan.”
Since its inception in 2003 as Sudan Radio Service, Eye Radio has grown into South Sudan’s first independent broadcast provider of news and information. Broadcasting 24/7 in English, Simple Arabic, and seven local languages, Eye Radio delivers local, national, and international news, sports, civic education, and entertainment.
Eye Radio’s programming includes popular shows like Song Request, Rhumba Sukun Sukun, Top10, and Jam Session, as well as civic initiatives such as Search for Peace and Talk to the People. The station is also known for live coverage of major events, including peace talks and sports tournaments, using advanced broadcast technology.
Operating on 98.6 FM in Juba and extending coverage to major towns like Torit, Bor, Yambio, Rumbek, Aweil, Wau, and Kuajok, Eye Radio aims to provide objective news and information, build a self-sustaining independent media, and serve all of South Sudan and surrounding regions.
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