The Minister of Information, Communication Technology, and Postal Services, Hon. Michael Makuei Lueth, has cautioned journalists against publishing unchecked and unverified information, emphasizing the importance of professionalism and ethical reporting.
Minister Makuei said journalism must be guided by truth, integrity, and responsibility—not opinion or social media trends. “Journalism is not a free pass to publish unchecked information,” Makuei said. “To be a journalist does not give one the right to write and post anything without verification. This behavior misleads the public and spreads misinformation.”
The Minister’s remarks come amid growing concerns over the spread of disinformation and misinformation, particularly on social media, which he said threatens public trust and national stability.
He warned that irresponsible reporting not only damages the credibility of the media but can also inflame tensions and mislead citizens.
“Some writings tend to misinform the public. This is unacceptable,” he added, urging journalists to recommit to the core principles of ethical journalism, including accuracy, fairness, and verification.
Makuei also reminded media practitioners that journalism is a public service and must be practiced with a strong sense of accountability.
The Media Stakeholders Forum, organized by the Association for Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS) with support from Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA), brought together journalists, civil society groups, government officials, and security agencies. The forum aims to strengthen press freedom, promote civic space, and foster accountability in the country’s media landscape.
