Local journalists in South Sudan, amid hope for negotiated peace and fear of ongoing conflict, have rallied to provide daily coverage that addresses both the major national issues and the impact of the conflict on their local communities.

“In such an unstable and rapidly changing situation, I cannot overstate the value that these radio stations have for their communities. Calm, fact-based information is critical,” said Deborah Ensor, Internews Chief of Party in South Sudan. “The work of our South Sudanese colleagues in providing this service is extraordinary.”

Eye Radio, in Juba, has broadcast daily live and recorded interviews with officials and international representatives, and has become a “must-listen” and “must-follow” source of news on the radio and on twitter.

Eye Radio’s two daily news programs, The Dawn (7:30-9:30am), and The Sundown Show (3-5pm) have featured interviews with officials including: US Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan, Donald Booth; the UN’s Humanitarian Coordinator, Toby Lanzer; South Sudan Information Minister Michael Makuei; rebel spokesman Moses Ruai Lat, in his first interview with a South Sudanese media outlet; as well as representatives from ICRC, WHO and other international and UN agencies.

Eye Radio also has one of its own reporters in Addis Ababa, sending  live updates from the peace negotiations.

Between newscasts, peace messages, PSAs, music, pre-recorded dramas and other regular programming continues to be broadcast.

Internews research – the first national audience survey in South Sudan – before the recent conflict showed that radio was beyond compare in reach, popularity and trust as an information source. Read the report.

Listeners are appreciative of the coverage, and the stations receive calls, notes and texts expressing thanks for the journalists’ work, such as this note to Eye Radio last week: “Fantastic coverage of the sad events. … I was proud of having the privilege to know many of the men and women who literally dodged the bullets to make it to the studio and tell the world what was happening.”

Eye Radio’s twitter followers have grown to more than 1200, with posts being re-tweeted locally and internationally. Follow Eye Radio at @eyeradiojuba.

Internews’ community radio stations in Leer, Turalei, Nasir, and Malualkon continue to report on all aspects of the conflict, as well as ongoing coverage of local news not related to the security situation, and national news from Juba. They have added programming hours to meet the demand from their listeners for more information. After a special weekend news program, listeners to Nhomlaau FM thanked the station for what one called “fantastic live reporting from Addis Ababa” on the peace talks.

Two of the community stations are in areas claimed to be held by anti-government forces.  One station reported how foreign oil workers fleeing fighting had been made welcome in their town.

Another station found itself in the middle of fighting. Project Director Nigel Ballard said the reporters and managers showed tremendous courage. “They kept the station on air and are working extra hours to keep people informed about what is happening in their town and across the country. They are helping diffuse tension and are keeping people calm.”

Since the conflict started December 15, Internews programming has continued uninterrupted, and broadcasting has been maintained or ramped up at the five stations Internews operates.

The community stations, Naath FM in Leer, Mayardit FM in Turalei, Sobat FM in Nasir, and Nhomlaau FM in Malualkon, were established by Internews beginning in 2007. Internews also manages Eye Radio 98.6 FM, a Juba-based 24-hour hour radio station, in partnership with Eye Media of South Sudan. Internews' work in South Sudan is funded by the United States Agency for International Development.