EDC-SRS Quarterly Report; Award No. Associated Cooperative Agreement HDA-A-00-03 0015 00

The conflict included air raids by the Sudan Armed Forces deep into South Sudan, with South Sudan retaliating by occupying Heglig in April. The Heglig occupation ended following pressure from the International Community, despite South Sudan President Salva Kiir's protest that the International Community's response was unfair to the south. SRS also covered Sudan's withdrawal and subsequent re-joining of the Addis Ababa peace talks by June. News coverage reported on the return of thousands of South Sudan returnees from Khartoum and other areas of the north, as well as several hundred deported from Israel. SRS newscasts and programs covered various aspects of political, governmental, economic, health, agriculture, and culture in the country. The Certificate in Broadcast Journalism program began a new term, despite the closure of Juba University. Enrollment for the term was the highest ever. The SRS sales staff collected $25,042 in sales, with 80% of the sales coming from new clients and 20% from existing clients. All equipment for the repeater and translator equipment system was ordered, and shipment dates were secured. Arrangements neared completion for installation on existing towers and in secure compounds throughout the country. SRS achieved significant quantitative impact during the quarter. A total of 5,459 Civic Education messages were broadcast by the end of the quarter, exceeding the annual target of 3,200. Five non-state media outlets quoted SRS stories, with 438 stories quoted in total. This represents 92% of the target of 1,000 for the Fiscal Year. Shortwave broadcasts monitored by SRS achieved a 96% audibility rating, exceeding the target of 85%. Additionally, 44 journalists were trained during the quarter. The SRS legacy organization, Eye Media, was registered as an official non-governmental organization in South Sudan on June 22. Prior to registration, the new NGO's constitution was drawn up, founders identified, and prospective board members nominated. The registration of Eye Media marks a significant milestone for SRS and its efforts to establish a sustainable presence in South Sudan.