Accreditation

The South Sudan Media Authority accredits national and foreign journalists after certifying their competencies, professional qualifications, and credibility. Meaning the South Sudan Media Authority assesses whether journalists have the necessary skills and knowledge to practice journalism responsibly and ethically. All journalists, communication personnel, and media practitioners are required to obtain official accreditation with the Media Authority. Below are the reasons:

The importance of Accreditation

1. To protect the public from misinformation and disinformation: By accrediting journalists, the SSMA helps to ensure that the public has access to accurate and reliable information.
2. To promote professionalism and ethical standards in journalism: The accreditation process helps to ensure that journalists meet certain standards of professionalism and ethics. This includes possessing the necessary skills and knowledge to report accurately and fairly, as well as avoiding harmful content such as hate speech and misinformation.
3. To protect the safety of journalists: Accreditation enhances journalists' protection from harassment and intimidation. In some cases, accreditation can also help journalists to access conflict zones and other dangerous areas

To be accredited by the South Sudan Media Authority, journalists must provide the following requirements for vetting before proceeding with the accreditation.

National journalists/ Media Practitioners

1. A letter from the employer.

2. Copy of an authenticated professional certificate from a recognized training institution.

3. Records of previous works done in the broadcast.

4. Two clear passport-size photographs

5. Copy of National ID or Passport.

Freelance Journalists

1. A duly signed reference letter from an organization that publishes your work.

2. Copy of authenticated professional certificate(s) from a recognized institution.

3. Records of previous works done either in print or broadcast.

4. Two clear passport-size photographs

5. Copy of National ID or Passport.

International Journalists/Media Practitioners

1. A duly signed and stamped letter from the employer.

2. Copy of authenticated professional certificate(s) that are either a Degree or Diploma in communication from a recognized training institution. (applicable for resident journalists only)

3. Records of previous work done in print or broadcast.

4. Two clear passport-size photographs.

5. Copy of a valid work permit.

6. Copy of passport.

7. Copy of accreditation/press card from the country of origin.

NOTE: Students studying journalism will only be issued permits to do their practicums on demand.

The South Sudan Media Authority will review the application and issue an accreditation card when it is satisfied that the journalist or media practitioner meets all of the requirements. The accreditation card will specify the type of media organization the journalist is working for, the period of validity of the accreditation, and an individual number given by the Authority.

NOTE: The South Sudan Media Authority suspends or revokes accreditation when a journalist or media practitioner breaches the Media Authority Act, 2013.

This accreditation process is important for promoting free, independent, and professional media in South Sudan. By accrediting journalists, the South Sudan Media Authority helps ensure that the public has access to accurate and reliable information and journalists can practice their profession safely and ethically.