FY2016 Annual Progress Report: Strengthening Free and Independent Media in South Sudan (i-STREAM)

The program's goal is to strengthen a free and independent media in South Sudan, with an emphasis on the independent radio sector. The program seeks to support the transition to self-sustainability of five currently funded USAID-supported local partner radio stations and focus on improving the professional preparation of journalists, the economic self-sustainability of media houses, the enabling environment for a free media, and the support institutions for a freer media. The program views media development as a holistic process that encompasses a number of key interlinking factors that together enable a healthy media system. These factors include the production and distribution of quality content, the financial sustainability of media outlets, a fair and predictable legal environment that encourages their development, and the existence of strong support institutions that can advocate on their behalf. The program's objectives are to strengthen professional media capacities, industry association building, and solidarity across South Sudan's developing media sector. In FY2016, Internews continued to implement the majority of activities planned for within the agreed objectives. The program maintained and even ramped up broadcasting at all five stations, providing a critical service to the people of South Sudan. The content remained reliable, accurate, and peaceful, and provided a critical service to the people of South Sudan. Internews also pivoted into the humanitarian space, establishing four Humanitarian Information Services (HIS) - called Boda Talk (BBTT) - and two mobile "radio-in-a-box" stations. These community stations, HIS, and mobile radio stations have a combined total audience of actual listeners of up to one million, and are now the most trusted source of information in their communities. In June 2016, USAID informed Internews that it would be unlikely to fully obligate the $75 million over 5 years, and to adjust activities and planning with an anticipated $10 million shortfall through Sept. 30, 2018. Internews shared a memo outlining the impact of such shortfalls, as well as a revised projection through the end of the project. However, at the time of writing, all such discussions have been verbal, with no formal modifications made. Despite these challenges, the program continued to make progress in FY2016, with a focus on transitioning Eye Media into a sustainable national, 100% South Sudanese organization, and providing critical coverage of the peace process and eventual signing of the peace agreement. The program's activities in FY2016 included the growth and support of Eye Media, the partnership with the University of Juba, and activities around media law and regulation. Internews also became vital partners to humanitarian agencies seeking to connect with populations and share vital information to project their lives and livelihoods. The program's successes led to a modification to the i-STREAM project, increasing the ceiling from $60 million USD to $75 million USD, and adding additional activities, including longer support to Eye Media, rebuilding destroyed stations, adding additional community radio stations, continuing humanitarian projects, and distributing solar-powered hand-cranked radio sets.