Journalism freedom of expression in south sudan : a case study of journalists and press practice

Abstract EN

South Sudan is the most recent country to gain independence after separation from Sudan on 9 July 2011 and like other African countries which suffer lack of freedom of expression and oppressive measures applied to media in applying the hierarchy of influences model over journalists' sample, the research found that the journalist is not on the center of journalism circle in the country but the media authority with their pressures influence the information and draw the agenda settings of media the situation in South Sudan is a good example despite the donations offered by developed countries and the legal articles in South Sudan media is controlled and journalists face harsh measures which in turn affects their performance negatively.

Besides the role played by certain ethnic groups which have access and influence media authority in South Sudan, as a media cannot play its role and function as a tool to develop and to disseminate information and ideas among citizens, to develop their knowledge, skills and attitudes.

Based on the assumption that the rules controlling media operation the analysis proves that publishing entities and journalists play the role of a gatekeeper and practice a sort of self-censorship when it comes to covering certain news items especially concerning opposition to the ruling system.