The major conclusion of this study is that there is enormous potential for media development in South Sudan because of the enthusiasm for and interest in news and information, even in the most remote villages. Local radio is a platform for political and cultural expression and a site for citizen par ... ticipation, empowerment, and social and political change. Radio is also relatively inexpensive to operate, to program and, for audiences, to receive. The Internews stations have been effective in providing an open forum for dialogue and debate at the local level, with access for members of government, civil society organizations and the public. The report follows on earlier research into the stations’ impact, 'Light in the Darkness'. more

"This report offers an overview of results of an assessment that sought to investigate the audience impact of Internews’ network of five FM radio stations in southern Sudan and two transitional areas that were established to provide their communities with critical information about the peace agree ... ment, the referendum and the resettlement of returning refugees. The five stations are the first community radio stations to be established in these remote parts of Sudan. The results show communities identify strongly with their local station and listen in preference to any other available radio service. This is because they believe the information they will receive is credible, accurate and relevant to their specific community, in their local language. A high percentage of listeners also attribute their knowledge about political processes including the CPA, referendum, popular consultation and elections directly to their local FM station." (Abstract) more