By Jacob Onuha Nelson
Authorities on Sunday closed down Radio Jonglei 95.9 FM in Bor, over a song that featured content on ongoing intercommunal conflict in the state.
In a press release, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the station, Tijwong H. Agweet, explained that the radio was temporarily taken off air by Jonglei State authority.
Apologizing to the listeners, Agwet maintained that the management of the radio station concedes fault for the closure.
“As the management of Radio Jonglei, we take full responsibility for the situation and sincerely apologize to our listeners and the broader community for any distress this may cause,” Agweet noted in his statement.
The radio management, however, refuted a spreading claim of arrest of some staff members of the radio station.
“We would also like to clarify misinformation currently circulating on social media, claiming that Radio Jonglei was attacked and staff members were arrested,” The CEO stressed, saying the allegations “are completely not true”.
According to the management, no staff member was arrested, but the management team responded to a summons by the National Security office in Bor for investigations.
“We returned safely, with no arrest made,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Management of Radio Jonglei appealed to Media Authority as a regulatory body to handle the matter.
“While we believe that matters relating to media closure should ideally be addressed through the media Authority, the body mandated to regulate broadcasting activities,” the CEO pleaded.
Agwet also acknowledged the positive intervention of the security in protecting the staff of the radio station during the contentious moment.
“We also understand the concern that led to this intervention by the security. we appreciate their efforts to protect our staff and the station during a sensitive period,” he noted.
Regretting the scenario, the radio management obliged its commitment to professionalism as an outlet that always stands as a platform for peace, unity and development in Jonglei state.
“Although we regret the circumstances that led to this temporary shutdown, we remain fully committed to responsible Journalism and constructive community dialogue,” Agwet added.
Appealing to Jonglei state government, Radio Jonglei FM management begs to be allowed to resume broadcasting operations.
“Allow us to resume broadcasting operations, so we can continue serving our communities with essential content – including peacebuilding messages, public service announcements on flood preparedness, child protection, waterborne disease prevention and agricultural support aimed at improving livelihoods,” it appealed.
Efforts by No. 1 Citizen Newspaper to reach out to Jonglei state authority for comments on the matter were fruitless as known phone contacts couldn’t be accessed.