Sustainable Independent Media Activity Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Report

Launched on September 1, 2022, SIMA's goal is to improve access to credible, accurate, and reliable information for South Sudanese citizens by promoting the sustainability of high-quality, independent radio operations. SIMA approaches sustainability from three angles: financial sustainability, institutional sustainability, and social sustainability. The activity contributes to three intermediate results (IR): IR 1, IR 2, and IR 3. IR 1 aims to increase access to credible information by South Sudanese citizens leading up to and beyond national elections. IR 2 focuses on increasing the sustainability of independent commercial and community radio operations. IR 3 seeks to improve the quality of reporting from journalists and broadcasters. SIMA empowers radio stations across South Sudan, focusing on Abyei and the 13 priority counties of the USAID/South Sudan Strategic Framework. The activity capitalizes on the existing momentum of previous USAID investments in the independent media sector. In Year 1, SIMA has implemented activities through coordination and collaboration with technical and local partners. The activity has made significant progress in promoting the sustainability of independent radio operations, improving access to credible information, and enhancing the quality of reporting. The geographic coverage of SIMA includes the following counties and areas in South Sudan: Abyei Administrative Area, Central Equatoria: Juba County, Eastern Equatoria: Kapoeta North and Budi counties, Jonglei: Akobo, Duk, Pibor, and Uror counties, Western Bahr-el Ghazal: Wau and Jur River, Unity: Panyijar, Leer, and Mayendit, and Upper Nile: Ulang and Baliet counties. The activity has a strong focus on promoting the sustainability of independent radio operations, improving access to credible information, and enhancing the quality of reporting. The activity has achieved several key results, including increased access to credible information, improved sustainability of independent commercial and community radio operations, and enhanced quality of reporting from journalists and broadcasters. SIMA has also made significant progress in promoting the sustainability of independent radio operations, improving access to credible information, and enhancing the quality of reporting. The activity has a strong focus on promoting the sustainability of independent radio operations, improving access to credible information, and enhancing the quality of reporting.